SARIKEI – The tradition of house visits during festive seasons continues to serve as an important avenue for leaders to engage directly with communities and better understand their needs.
Deputy Minister of Plantations and Commodities Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii emphasised that such visits remain one of the most effective ways to hear the voices of the people at the grassroots level.
He explained that the practice, carried out in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration, allows leaders to connect with residents in a meaningful way.
“This practice must be continued from time to time so that the welfare of the people in this district is always given due attention,” he said during a recent visit in Sarikei.
The programme, organised with the Repok Service Centre, provided an opportunity for the Deputy Minister to interact with local residents in a warm and festive atmosphere.
He noted that the visits not only foster goodwill but also help leaders to review and respond to community needs more effectively.
As the Assemblyman for Repok, Huang highlighted that Chinese New Year is celebrated across communities, not just by the Chinese population.
He stressed that the festival is a platform for unity, bringing together people of different ethnic backgrounds and strengthening ties between leaders and the wider community.
During the visit, he called on the homes of Penghulu Ley Kok Lun, Penghulu Yeu Chii Tung, and Wong Hua Ting, spending time with families and neighbours to share in the festive joy.
The gatherings reflected the inclusive spirit of the celebration, reinforcing the importance of cultural traditions in building stronger social bonds.
Community leaders and residents welcomed the initiative, noting that direct engagement through house visits allows for open dialogue and helps ensure that local concerns are heard.
The approach is seen as complementing formal channels of communication, offering a more personal and immediate way to address issues.
Festive visits such as these have long been part of Sarawak’s cultural fabric, serving as occasions not only for celebration but also for strengthening relationships between leaders and the people they represent.
By maintaining this tradition, leaders are able to keep in touch with the realities faced by communities, ensuring that development efforts remain aligned with grassroots priorities.
The continuation of such practices is expected to contribute positively to community welfare, while also reinforcing the values of inclusivity and unity that underpin Sarawak’s diverse society.
