KOTA SAMARAHAN — Deputy Speaker of the Sarawak State Assembly and Muara Tuang Assemblyman, Dato’ Idris Buang, has called for the term “Poor” in the Sarawak Poor People’s Homes Improvement Programme (PPRMS) to be replaced with “Needy”, citing a more inclusive and dignified approach.
“The word ‘poor’ carries connotations that may not be appropriate. We should aim to uplift and assist without labelling people in a way that diminishes their dignity,” said Idris during the PPRMS Grant Presentation Ceremony for DUN Muara Tuang at Taman Desa Ilmu, here today.
The programme, introduced by the Sarawak Government, is aimed at helping residents renovate and improve their homes for safer and more comfortable living conditions. Under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari’s leadership, the government has allocated RM1 million per DUN for home improvement works.
For Muara Tuang, RM500,000 has been set aside for the Fourth Phase of PPRMS in 2025. At the event, RM499,969 was disbursed to 33 villages benefiting 54 recipients.
Dato’ Idris also highlighted the importance of transparency and efficiency in the implementation of the programme. He urged village heads and community leaders to ensure timely form submissions and avoid delays in the rollout process.
“I also want every recipient to prepare clear reports so that follow-up and monitoring can be done properly,” he stressed.
He further noted that Muara Tuang is the only constituency equipped with a First Response Team dedicated to overseeing project implementation and ensuring prompt action where needed.
The event also saw the presentation of an Education Grant totalling RM7,500 to 19 students pursuing higher education at public and private institutions (IPTA/IPTS).
Also present were Assistant Samarahan District Officer Hayati Sahari, Deputy Speaker’s Secretary Mohd Hasfia Abdullah, DUN Muara Tuang Operations Head Aziz Mohamad, KMKK Club Chairman Elen Mustapha, and various community leaders.
