SIBU: The Townhall Session with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, held in conjunction with the Sarawak Day 2026 celebration at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), provided a platform for youths and grassroots leaders to voice their views on the state's development.

The programme, held on Wednesday, also gave participants the opportunity to gain first-hand explanations on the Sarawak Government's policies and initiatives.

Form Six student of SMK Agama Sibu Nazhan Shahmizan, 18, said the programme enabled young people to better understand the direction of education in Sarawak.

“This is my first time attending a townhall session, and I am proud to have the opportunity to meet the Sarawak Premier and gain a better understanding of the future direction of education in Sarawak,” he said.

SMK Chung Hua Sibu student Charles Ricco Galang, 19, described the state government's education assistance as a meaningful initiative that would benefit students from lower-income families.

“This initiative eases the financial burden on B40 students who wish to further their studies, and I hope it will continue,” he said.

Echoing Charles' views, 19-year-old Addelyn Moses said the Sarawak Government's financial assistance has enabled more Sarawakians to pursue higher education and build a better future.

She described the assistance as an initiative that creates greater opportunities for the younger generation to improve their families' quality of life.

Meanwhile, Kanowit community leader Penghulu Pree Minggat, 67, described the townhall session as an effective platform for the public to stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives of the Sarawak Government.

“Programmes like this should continue as they strengthen public confidence in the state government's development efforts,” he said.

Another Form Six student from SMK Agama Sibu Hairy Iskandar Halim, 18, said the state's free tertiary education policy reflects the government's commitment to developing quality human capital.

He expressed hope that the government would continue strengthening digital learning facilities and expanding education assistance for students.

Meanwhile, Tuai Rumah Sabastian Ngalang Juntan, 42, from Batu 6.5 Jalan Oya said the development of rural infrastructure strongly benefited the residents.

"We hope the state government will continue to advance education, the economy and rural development for the wellbeing of Sarawakians,” he said. -UKASnews