ASAJAYA – The Sarawak government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering local organisations through the Rural Small Project Grant (MRP), which continues to play a vital role in supporting community-driven initiatives.
During the Asajaya ADUN MRP Handover Ceremony at the Asajaya Sports Complex, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, who also serves as Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, emphasised that the MRP allocation is more than financial aid.
He described it as strategic support designed to ensure that grassroots organisations, houses of worship, schools, clubs, and associations remain active in delivering programmes that directly benefit the people.
He stressed that transparency and accountability are essential in managing the funds. “Every activity carried out must be recorded properly and reported either to the Asajaya District Office or the ADUN Service Centre,” he said, highlighting the importance of integrity in fund utilisation to prevent misuse.
At the ceremony, a total of RM2,805,000 was distributed to 159 recipients, including Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), mosques, suraus, houses of worship, parent-teacher associations, kindergartens, and community clubs.
The grants are intended to strengthen grassroots organisations and foster unity through programmes that bring communities closer together.
The Asajaya State Assemblyman noted that the MRP scheme reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to support community cohesion and encourage active participation in local development.
By empowering organisations at the grassroots level, the initiative helps ensure that communities remain resilient and engaged in shaping their own progress.
The ceremony was attended by several local leaders and officials, including Asajaya District Officer Jerry Zannuddin Bidin, Asajaya Police Station Chief Sjn. Mohd Ibrahim Abdullah, Samarahan Division Malay Community Leader Chek Bujang, and Asajaya District Chinese Community Leader Jong Tze Ted.
Observers highlight that the MRP programme has long been a cornerstone of Sarawak’s grassroots development strategy, enabling smaller organisations to access resources that would otherwise be out of reach.
By insisting on proper reporting and accountability, the government aims to ensure that every ringgit spent translates into meaningful benefits for the community.
With continued support through MRP, Asajaya and other districts across Sarawak are expected to see stronger local institutions, more inclusive programmes, and deeper community ties in the years ahead.
