LIMBANG: The unity of Sarawak’s multiethnic society continues to serve as a primary catalyst for the state’s rapid development, facilitating the effective execution of numerous infrastructure and economic initiatives aimed at enhancing public welfare.
Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail stated that the state’s ethnic diversity should not be viewed as an obstacle but as a source of strength that fosters unity among the people in a peaceful and harmonious environment.
According to him, the prevailing spirit of tolerance within society permits the government to direct its attention towards the development of basic infrastructure including roads, water supply, electricity, and telecommunications which are progressively upgraded.
“In Sarawak, there are about 28 official ethnic groups while Sabah has 35 and Peninsular Malaysia has four main groups.
“Even with these differences, our communities remain cohesive.
“Such tolerance enables us to direct our attention towards fundamental development including roads, water supply, electricity, and telecommunications,” he remarked while addressing the Kampung Limpaong Aidilfitri Gathering at Dewan Setia Kampung Limpaong on Tuesday.
Elaborating further, the Bukit Kota Assembyman stated that initiatives to bolster transportation networks are being reinforced through the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project which will provide a direct connection between the two states without traversing Brunei.
He said the project is expected to be completed as early as 2028 or by 2030 at the latest and is anticipated to create more economic opportunities including facilitating trade and the goods movement.
In addition, he underlined the considerable potential of Limbang as a strategic location, given the increase in visitors from Brunei subsequent to the opening of the Temburong Bridge.
He also highlighted that the development has energized local businesses especially in the food and restaurant sector, providing benefits to both business owners and residents.
In this regard, he called on the community to take full advantage of opportunities by expanding economic activities and sustaining good relations with neighbouring countries for shared benefits.
He also emphasised the importance of education among the youths especially bilingual proficiency in Malay and English as well as achieving academic excellence.
Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman noted that the launch of free education at state-run universities this year is expected to offer more opportunities for Sarawak’s youth to pursue higher learning.
Regarding rural development, he stated that efforts to enhance basic amenities including irrigation systems are continually prioritised to ensure the welfare of village communities is preserved.
He also announced RM300,000 under the 2027 Rural Transformation Project (RTP) to upgrade the drainage system at the surau, hall and KEMAS preschool in Kampung Limpaong to support the village’s development.
He also disbursed Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants of RM5,000 each to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and the Surau Committee this year.
Also present were Limbang District Officer Sulaiman Engal, Limbang Division Unity Officer Suriani Yussop, Chairperson of PPWS Limbang/Lawas Fariyana Ajmain, Pemanca Sahat Bagol, Penghulu Zahedi Asol and Kampung Limpaong Head Wasli Maseri. -UKASnews
