PADAWAN – A concerted effort is required to improve the dissemination of reliable educational information in rural regions, a local official has stated. This initiative is deemed crucial for ensuring younger residents have equitable access to quality academic and vocational pathways.
Julius Scott Sapong, the Administrative Officer in charge of the Padawan Subdistrict Office, emphasised that enhancing community knowledge is a fundamental step towards empowerment and protection.
He articulated this position while acting as the representative for Datuk Dr. Jerip Susil, the Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport and Mambong Assemblyman.
He was officiating at a community programme organised by the Mambong Identity Empowerment Association (PEJADI) in collaboration with MARA Poly-Tech College (KPTM). The event was held at the Kampung Bratan Asah Joint Community Hall last Sunday.
Julius pointed to the specific demographics of his jurisdiction to underline the urgency of the matter. The Padawan Subdistrict encompasses 62 villages and is home to a population exceeding *70,000* people. He warned that without access to verified information, communities could be vulnerable to misleading offers.
He specifically cautioned against private institutions that demand high fees but provide no assurance of subsequent employment for their graduates. Providing authentic guidance is a key defence against such practices, he suggested.
“The Padawan Subdistrict which covers 62 villages with a population of over 70,000 needs to be given access to authentic educational information to prevent the community from being trapped by offers from private institutions that charge high fees without job security,” Julius explained to those gathered.
He further elaborated on the broader significance of education, describing it as the cornerstone of societal advancement. He directly linked educational empowerment to the successful realisation of the state’s long-term development blueprint, the Sarawak Maju Makmur 2030 aspirations.
In his address, Julius highlighted the pivotal part played by institutions operating under the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA). He identified them as vital conduits for enabling students from lower-income families to pursue further studies through accessible and quality programmes.
A direct appeal was made to local leadership figures across the subdistrict. Julius called upon community leaders and village heads to actively propagate information concerning the scholarships and study opportunities available through MARA-linked establishments.
These institutions include colleges such as KPTM and universities like Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM). Their role in offering practical and technical education is seen as instrumental in building a skilled workforce for the state’s future.
The ceremony was also attended by several key figures, indicating a collaborative approach to the issue. Among them were Assistant District MARA Officer Mohamad Muzameer, Deputy Director of Student Admissions for KPTM and UPTM Azlan Hassan, and local community leaders Pemanca Raymond Jihap and Lister Nonem Moteng.
