BINTULU: The government will remain committed in building and improving the infrastructure in rural areas within this division.
Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said the development of such facilities remained a major challenge for the government as there were many remote pockets scattered across the state.
“However, with initiatives through relevant departments, it (government) has managed to realise the dream of the rural people to enjoy good road network, in addition to other basic needs such as water and electricity supply, as well as telecommunication networks,” he said during the opening ceremony of a ‘Family Night’ hosted by the Kemena branch of Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) at Li Hua Hotel on Saturday.
Dr Rundi, who is also Kemena assemblyman, said while most areas in Kemena and Sebauh had already been connected to roads, there were others that were not due to priority.
“Therefore, I hope that the villages and longhouses which are not yet connected by roads, would be patient as all areas in this part of the state interior would eventually be connected, as well as be provided with water and electricity supply in stages,” he added.
In the meantime, Dr Rundi also advised parents, especially the SDNU members, to always emphasised on their children’s education.
He said with good education, their children would be able to compete confidently when it came to finding jobs amidst a growing global economy.
“Bintulu is rapidly growing as an industrial town; thus technical and engineering education has become very crucial.”
At the event, Dr Rundi also announced a RM5,000 allocation for SDNU Kemena for it to carry out annual activities.
Respective chairmen of Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Bintulu, Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA) Bintulu and SDNU Kemena – James Kator, Peter Jalong and Jelian Sudum – were among those present at the dinner.