KUCHING: The Sarawak Government continues to strengthen its ground-reaching approach through the implementation of the Sarawakku Sayang Programme 2026 as an integrated platform in delivering various government services directly to the people.

This programme is a noble initiative that emphasises an approach of reaching out to the people to understand needs at the grassroots level while providing a One-Stop Centre platform that brings together government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as the private sector.

Through this platform, the people have the opportunity to access various services covering health screenings, educational assistance, entrepreneurial opportunities, welfare services, as well as government digital services including the payment of utility bills, summonses, and land premiums.

The implementation of this programme is based on several key concepts, namely the ground-reaching approach, awareness programmes to promote government policies and initiatives, service delivery through outreach, as well as friendly ties between the people and the government that spark a "feel good factor" among the community.

In line with that, this programme is implemented with the objective of delivering government policies and initiatives directly, strengthening the relationship between the government and the local community, as well as fostering a spirit of togetherness, unity, and love for Sarawak.

The Sarawakku Sayang Programme also encompasses five main components, namely official ceremonies, main exhibitions, service counters, entrepreneur sales stalls, and community activities.

The main exhibition component through the Sarawak Pavilion features the achievements, implementation, and development aspirations of the state including aspects of the road network, water, and electricity supply, while service counters provide various services focused on health, education, entrepreneurship, welfare, as well as digital and innovation.

In addition, sales stalls through Sarawak Kitchen provide space for local entrepreneurs to promote food products and handicrafts, while community activities include sports and recreation programmes such as fun runs, people's sports, cultural performances, entertainment, and e-contests.

The three-day programme itinerary covers various activities including the main exhibition, opening ceremony, people's telematches, concerts, community activities, as well as health programmes such as aerobics and fun runs before ending with the closing ceremony.

For the year 2026, this programme will be implemented in 12 divisions, preceded by Limbang on 10 to 12 April at the Limbang Sports Complex, and the opening ceremony is expected to be officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

The same programme will be held in Miri on 24 to 26 April at the Miri Stadium and Bintulu from 22 to 24 May at the Old Bintulu Airport Site.

Next, the programme will be continued in Mukah on 19 to 21 June at Dataran Pehin Setia Raja, before moving to Sibu from 26 to 28 June at the Sibu Town Square and Kapit on 10 to 12 July at the Civic Centre Compound.

For the month of August, the programme will be held in Sarikei from 7 to 9 August at the Sarikei Sports Complex, followed by Betong on 4 to 6 September at the Betong Sports Complex, and Sri Aman from 25 to 27 September at the Sri Aman Sports Complex.

This programme will then take place in Serian on 16 to 18 October at the Serian Conference Centre parking compound, before continuing in Samarahan from 30 October to 1 November at the compound next to the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council and subsequently in Kuching on 20 to 22 November at Metrocity, Matang.

The implementation of this programme is coordinated by the Sarawak Implementation Monitoring Unit (SIMU) with the cooperation of various ministries, departments, and related agencies at the state and divisional levels to ensure its smooth and effective execution.

Overall, the Sarawakku Sayang Programme 2026 reflects the continuous commitment of the Sarawak Government in ensuring no citizen is left behind from the current of development, while strengthening social well-being, unity, and the people's confidence toward the state's development efforts. — UKASnews