TATAU — The Sarawak Government reaffirmed its commitment to rural development with the inauguration of new infrastructure projects in Ulu Mejau, including the launch of Jalan Bertar at Rumah Rawing Manja, held during the Mangkung Tiang ceremony on Saturday.
Graced by the Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, the event was attended by over 500 local residents. It marked a key milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to bridge development gaps in rural areas.
During the ceremony, Dato Sri John Sikie announced an allocation of RM18,000 under the Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant for the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Rumah Rawing. The funds aim to support community-driven initiatives and enhance local infrastructure.
Emphasising the importance of structural safety and aesthetic unity in longhouses, Dato Sri John encouraged residents to follow proper construction standards. “Measures such as brick walls from floor to roof and compliance with electrical standards are essential to prevent fire hazards,” he said.
He also urged the Security Bureau under JKKK to take a more proactive role in addressing social issues such as drug abuse, underlining the importance of community vigilance for the well-being of rural villages.
Under the Tengah Rajang Region Development Agency (MiRRDA), major infrastructure investments are underway in the Kakus constituency. This includes RM60 million for upgrading the road from Nanga Kelebu to Rumah Ado, RM10 million for road access to Ulu Mejau, and another RM10 million for road development to Entajum, Tatau.
These projects align with Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which targets a household income of RM15,000 per month. The strategy is supported by initiatives such as free education at state-owned higher learning institutions to elevate socio-economic conditions in rural communities.
The Mangkung Tiang ceremony, an Iban cultural tradition, served not only as a celebration of heritage but also as a unifying event symbolising progress and communal pride in the face of ongoing development.
