BETONG: Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu has called on grassroots leaders to provide feedback on proposals to enhance socioeconomic conditions in their areas.
He stressed that advancing Betong’s development requires collective effort, not just the work of elected representatives.
“As representatives of the people, Dr Richard Rapu, the Betong MP, and I cannot achieve this alone.
“We need cooperation and feedback from grassroots leaders through community channels,” he stated during the handover of Minor Rural Projects (MRP) cheques ceremony at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall recently.
Rentap pointed out the importance of feedback not only on infrastructure needs but also on programmes and projects that could generate income and elevate economic standards within communities.
During the event, MRP grants totalling RM457,000 from him and RM329,500 from Dr Richard were distributed to 91 Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) from various longhouses in the Layar state constituency area.
Addressing the issue of education, he urged longhouses that have not yet participated in the Longhouse Tuition Programme to get involved.
He highlighted the programme’s potential to improve children’s educational outcomes, thereby fostering future human capital capable of engaging in new economic activities promoted by the Sarawak government.
“Education is crucial, and JKKKs should take an active role in the educational development of children in their respective longhouses.
“The Longhouse Tuition Programme by the Layar Education Development Committee, though modest, can significantly benefit children’s education.”
He added that the Sarawak government has implemented various policies to benefit rural areas like Betong.
Rentap also underscored the importance of community leaders in conveying these policies to their constituents.
