KUCHING: The Sarawakku Sayang Programme (SKS) is helping the government address gaps in the dissemination of information on policies, initiatives and development projects to rural areas.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the programme, now entering its 10th edition in Serian Division, enables the government to engage directly with communities and ensure the public receive accurate information on the various facilities and opportunities available to them.

According to him, this approach is crucial as some communities, particularly in rural areas, may be inadequately informed about government policies and initiatives.

"This is one way for the Sarawak Government to raise greater awareness of its policies, programmes and initiatives introduced for the people.

"We want to reach out more closely to communities, especially those in rural areas who may sometimes lack access to accurate information," he said.

He said this when appearing as a guest on the Juh Randau talk show produced by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) at the UKAS Studio on Wednesday.

Scheduled to be held for two days on 20 and 21 November at the Serian Conference Centre, SKS Serian Division will also focus on Serian's economic potential, particularly in the agriculture, livestock farming and ecotourism.

Serian Division Resident Mackos Sibong said the area contributes about 25 per cent to Sarawak's food supply, valued at RM4.142 billion based on 2025 statistics.

He said the achievement reflects Serian's significant potential to further develop as a food production hub, creating opportunities for more entrepreneurs and investors to venture into the sector.

"This shows the potential for communities to expand their businesses in livestock farming, vegetable cultivation and related sectors, which offer significant opportunities in Serian," he said.

Among the main attractions of SKS Serian is the Serian Kitchen featuring a local fruit festival, the participation of 50 restaurants, cooking demonstrations and the opportunity for the first 500 visitors to enjoy local fruits for free.

The two-day programme will also feature a Konsert Rakyat, Serian Fun Run, Serian busking, a video competition based on artificial intelligence (AI) as well as an exhibition of government services through the Sarawak Pavilion.

The soft launch ceremony of the programme on 20 November will be officiated by Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, while the official opening ceremony on 21 November is expected to be graced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Mia Amira Jalil
Photo: Shahril Haqim
Translator: Nerissa SIa