TEKAJONG – Strengthening ties between elected representatives and grassroots machinery has been highlighted as a crucial factor in ensuring that community concerns are effectively addressed and channelled to the relevant authorities.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) and Semop State Assemblyman, Datuk Abdullah Saidol, stressed that efficient communication between representatives and local coordination teams is vital for timely and comprehensive follow-up action.
He made the remarks during a meeting with community leaders of N.42 Semop at the Kampung Tekajong Community Hall on Thursday.
The session brought together representatives from four community groups fathers, women, youth, and young men covering 28 branch areas across Semop, including the northern and southern parts of Pulau Bruit, riverside settlements, and areas around Bintangor.
Abdullah expressed appreciation to local leaders and area coordinators for their commitment and responsibility in relaying information from the ground. He noted that their dedication ensures the well-being of residents is consistently safeguarded.
The meeting provided an opportunity for grassroots leaders to directly raise issues and challenges faced in their respective areas. Suggestions were also shared on how to improve coordination in community development programmes, reflecting the participatory approach encouraged by the state government.
The initiative aligns with Sarawak’s broader development agenda under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, which emphasises inclusivity and balanced growth across rural and urban areas.
Recent state efforts in Semop have included rural transformation projects (RTPs) such as road upgrades, new community halls, and jetty improvements in villages like Paloh, Kedang, and Berangan.
Additionally, allocations have been channelled to Pulau Bruit, where over RM55 million has been invested in infrastructure, affordable housing, and fishermen’s resettlement projects.
These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring that remote communities are not left behind in Sarawak’s development trajectory.
Abdullah reiterated that close collaboration between representatives and grassroots machinery is not only about solving immediate problems but also about building trust, unity, and long-term resilience within the community.
“The efficiency of communication channels ensures that every issue raised by the people can be acted upon quickly and comprehensively,” he said, adding that the role of grassroots leaders remains indispensable in bridging the gap between government policies and local realities.
The programme in Tekajong reflected the unity and collective spirit of Semop residents, who continue to support the state’s development agenda while working together to improve living standards and community well-being.
