SIBU: Bureaucratic procedures must be simplified to ensure government assistance reaches the people more quickly, efficiently and effectively, particularly those in need.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said every implementing agency must ensure administrative processes do not become obstacles preventing the public from accessing the assistance and services provided.

"Procedures should not be unnecessarily complicated, with people being sent from one place to another, only for the assistance to never reach them.

"Anything that can be simplified must be simplified to make the process easier and faster," he said.

He said this when speaking at the closing ceremony of the Family Support Division (BSK) seminar, organised by the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department in conjunction with the Sarawak Islamic Council’s Central Zone ‘Ziarah Mahabbah’ 2026 programme held at the Sibu Islamic Complex Hall on Thursday.

According to him, improving the delivery of government services requires an on-the-ground approach, enabling implementing agencies to identify shortcomings and gain a better understanding of the actual needs of communities in different areas.

In this regard, he noted that the Sarawakku Sayang Programme (SKS), held in various locations to gather direct feedback from local communities, serves as a foundation for enhancing government services and the implementation of government initiatives.

Datuk Amar Awang Tengah emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind in accessing government facilities and assistance, whether they reside in urban, suburban, or rural areas.

He also commended the various government initiatives and assistance packages introduced under the leadership of the Sarawak Premier through the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

These include welfare programmes, Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS), childbirth assistance and higher education opportunities aimed at supporting the wellbeing of the people.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee, Chief Syarie Judge of the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department Datu Awang Suhaili Ledi, Sibu Division Resident Superi Awang Said, Malaysian Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSM) Court of Appeal Judge Dato Mohammad Adib Husain and Temenggong Dato Sri Wan Hamid Edruce Tuanku Mohamad. -UKASnews