KABONG – The Sarawak Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening both education and rural economic development, with a particular focus on the Beting Maro constituency. The initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to ensure balanced progress across all regions.
Beting Maro State Assemblyman (ADUN) Dato Razaili Gapor said the government, under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, continues to prioritise education as a cornerstone of development.
He noted that this emphasis is aligned with Sarawak’s push for greater autonomy in education under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), particularly to address the long-standing issue of dilapidated schools.
“The Sarawak Government places great importance on the education of Sarawakian children. With the skilled workforce that we produce through a strong education system, they will have the opportunity to contribute to high-impact sectors such as renewable energy and green technology,” he said when officiating the SK Batang Maro 2025 Community Sports Championship and Carnival on Thursday.
Dato Razaili urged young people in Beting Maro to seize the opportunities provided by the state, stressing that education remains the key to self-development and a better future. He highlighted that the government has introduced various initiatives to support students pursuing higher education, including financial assistance such as pocket money schemes.
Alongside education, the state is also focusing on infrastructure development to stimulate rural growth. Dato Razaili confirmed that projects such as the construction of bridges in Beting Maro will continue, improving mobility and opening up new economic opportunities for local communities.
He further encouraged residents to harness the potential of the agriculture and food industries, particularly by leveraging local produce to generate additional income. This, he said, would not only strengthen the rural economy but also create sustainable livelihoods for families in the area.
The Assemblyman also praised the role of community sports programmes, such as those organised by SK Batang Maro, in fostering unity and nurturing young talent. He noted that such initiatives contribute to social cohesion while promoting healthy lifestyles among students and residents.
The government’s dual focus on education and rural economic empowerment is consistent with Sarawak’s long-term development agenda, including the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which emphasises human capital development, renewable energy, and green technology as key growth drivers.
Observers believe that the combination of improved education, infrastructure, and agricultural development will help rural areas like Beting Maro achieve greater parity with urban centres, ensuring that no community is left behind in Sarawak’s journey towards becoming a developed state.
