Infrastructure, Education & SKAS Proof Of GPS's Care For Development
KUCHING: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Government remains committed to strengthening infrastructure development, education, and people's welfare to ensure that the progress enjoyed can be felt by the entire society in this state.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that this commitment is visible via various initiatives and policies implemented by the state government to elevate the standard of living of the people, particularly in rural areas.
According to him, the government is currently actively implementing a project to upgrade 5,979 kilometres of former logging roads across Sarawak to enhance connectivity and accessibility for rural communities.
“Better roads not only improve connections between areas but also unlock economic opportunities, expand access to health and education facilities, and enhance the quality of life for the people,” he said in his message in conjunction with the 2026 Hari Gawai Dayak celebration.
In the aspect of education, he said the implementation of the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is a historic milestone that proves the state government's commitment to human capital development.
He noted that through the scheme, Sarawakian children have the opportunity to pursue higher education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), including law and psychology, at Sarawak-owned universities without burdening their families.
“Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty as well as building a better future for the younger generation,” he stated.
At the same time, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) initiative reflects the state government's care in helping to ease the cost of living burden on the people following the increase in goods prices due to conflicts in the Middle East.
He explained that the SKAS assistance rate for the year 2026 has been increased to RM1,100 per year for households compared to RM950 previously, RM600 per year for senior citizens compared to RM500, while single individuals receive RM375 per year compared to RM300.
He added that SKAS payments are executed in three phases, with the second phase having commenced its distribution on May 15.
Commenting on the Gawai Dayak celebration, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the festival is a highly meaningful time for the Dayak community to express gratitude for the blessings and bounties received, besides strengthening family ties and preserving the cultural heritage and customs passed down through generations.
He also emphasised that the spirit of unity, which is the backbone of Sarawak's strength, needs to be continuously reinforced in line with the concept of Segulai Sejalai (together in unity), which forms the identity of the state's people.
“Let us continue to unite and work hand-in-hand in realising the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) towards a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Sarawak,” he said.
At the same time, he wished a Happy Hari Gawai Dayak to the entire Dayak community in Sarawak and hoped that this year's celebration would bring happiness, peace, good health, and prosperity to all. — UKASnews
