SERIAN: The Sarawak Government continues to strengthen infrastructure development, education and public welfare to ensure the state's economic progress benefits all quarters of society, including rural communities.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said various development initiatives implemented since 2018 have brought significant progress in efforts to improve the people's living standards and wellbeing.
According to him, among the major achievements is the implementation of infrastructure projects, including the construction of 21 bridges funded by the Sarawak Government to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of residents.
He said Sarawak's increasingly strong financial position has also enabled the government to implement more development projects and initiatives that directly benefit the people.
He said this when officiating at a ceremony marking the completion of projects in the Kedup Constituency, held at the Kampung Meboi Multipurpose Hall here on Tuesday.
On education, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the implementation of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is among the Sarawak Government's commitments to expanding access to higher education for Sarawakians.
According to him, higher education institutions such as Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak and other institutions play an important role in producing a skilled workforce, particularly in technical and engineering fields.
He expressed hope that young people would fully utilise the available education and training opportunities to enhance their employability and build a better future.
Meanwhile, on welfare and the development of religious institutions, he said the Sarawak Government has channelled RM565 million through the Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) to support the development of houses of worship and mission schools across the state.
Touching on Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, he reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the rights and interests of local communities in accordance with the state's land laws.
He also commended the efforts of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) in implementing land documentation programmes that help the Bidayuh community obtain documentation and recognition of their land rights.
In a related development, the Deputy Premier said the Sarawak Government's leadership would continue to focus on increasing state revenue to ensure the continued implementation of the development agenda.
He also emphasised the importance of community cooperation and support in ensuring every development initiative is implemented effectively for the wellbeing of the people.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben, Serian Member of Parliament Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem, Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak (MIPD) Permanent Secretary Datu Chiew Chee Yau, UNIFOR Director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, Serian Division Resident Mackos Sibong, John Ilus and Dr Simon Sinang Bada. -UKASnews
