BINTULU: The roles of community leaders and village chiefs are crucial in ensuring that leadership and community harmony at the grassroots level continue to be strengthened.

Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi said that every community leader must lead fairly, serve as a role model for residents and strive to resolve any misunderstandings or minor issues at the village and longhouse level first.

“Community leaders serve as the bridge between longhouse or village residents and government agencies.

“It is the community leader’s responsibility to convey information regarding any government policies, new initiatives, or developments to the residents,” he said.

He said this speaking during a ceremony to present appointment certificates to 20 community leaders from the Samalaju constituency at the Bintulu Resident’s Office on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Samalaju Assemblyman encouraged community leaders to strengthen the sub-committees or bureaus in their respective areas, such as the Economy and Development Bureau, Security Bureau, Education Bureau and Cleanliness Bureau.

Datuk Majang noted that the Economy and Development Bureau could plan activities that benefit residents and boost their income through agriculture, business and other economic ventures.

The Security Bureau plays a role in ensuring the safety of residents is maintained, while the Education Bureau can focus on education and training, particularly for the youth.

He also encouraged the establishment of a Youth Bureau to provide young people with opportunities to participate in community activities and to help foster stronger ties and a sense of community spirit among residents.

“If these committees can be established in every longhouse and village, numerous activities could be implemented within six months to a year to strengthen relationships and the sense of community among the residents,” he said.

He also reminded community leaders to ensure that each bureau carries out its respective responsibilities and presents its plans and activities during meetings.

Also present was Bintulu Division Resident Datu Nyurak Keti. -UKASnews