Nanta (front third right) samples cupcakes made by Giatmara trainees. Jamit is at front second left.
KAPIT: Courses offered by Giatmara will empower the people through skills training for a better standard of living.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said the programmes are not just for urban folk but also those in rural villages.
“We’re not just giving them fish today and tomorrow to enjoy. We also give them fishing rods so that they can have fish every day. Giatmara enhances knowledge and skills and we encourage entrepreneurship by opening up businesses to generate income to improve their livelihood,” he said during a Giatmara programme at Rumah Manok Mancal in Sungai Yong.
He pointed out that the government has spent billions not only on developing infrastructure, amenities and facilities but also human capital.
“Development is not just to build roads or jetties, equally important is human resource development to exploit potential and arm them with knowledge and skills to survive. The government’s development agenda is holistic to cover all aspects – fully tap human resources, particularly youths below 40 years. When one acquires relevant skills and knowledge, put them into practice to generate income,” he said.
Nanta said the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) will require skilled labour and as such youths should take up these training opportunities.
Giatmara Kapit currently has some 120 trainees attending various courses.
Meanwhile, Jefferson Jamit Unyat, a political secretary to the chief minister, called on Bukit Goram constituents to vote for the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate in the next election.
“Bukit Goram comprises 11,492 constituents, of which the Dayak Iban form the majority of voters at over 80 per cent. Ibans, you’re the decision-makers. The time has come for Dayaks to unite and vote for the BN candidate. We can’t be divided politically,” he said.
He pointed out that in 2015 and this year, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem allocated RM1 billion for rural development.