Pre-Gawai Programme Continues Efforts To Engage Rural Communities In Meradong
MERADONG: Meradong Assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing visited several longhouses around Sungai Belapong and Skim B Meradong to continue his day 19 of the 2026 Pre-Gawai Programme to serve as an effective platform for engaging rural communities.
The casual visit on Wednesday not only brought festive cheer ahead of the Hari Gawai celebration but also provided residents with the opportunity to voice their views and needs directly to their elected representative.
According to Datuk Ding, such ground engagement initiatives are important in ensuring close ties between leaders and the people are maintained while facilitating efforts to deliver assistance and address issues raised by the community.
“Through visits like this, we can directly hear the people’s issues and needs so that follow-up action can be taken more effectively,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the spirit of unity and tolerance which has long been the strength of Sarawak’s society will continue to be preserved for the collective wellbeing of all.
At the same programme, residents conveyed their appreciation following the announcement of several new initiatives introduced by the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, through the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS).
Among the assistance announced were RM1,100 for households with families, RM600 for senior citizens and RM375 for single individuals to help ease the burden of rising living costs.
The Sarawak government has also announced a 25 per cent discount on electricity bills from April until December 2026, alongside a 50 per cent rental rebate for premises owned by its entity.
The measure is expected to provide some relief to the people and small traders while further stimulating local economic activities ahead of the festive season. -UKASnews
