KUCHING: A Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) project involving the construction of a new suspension bridge and access road at Rh Sanggau, Kampung Sungai Reboh, Batu Lintang, Undop, Sri Aman has been completed.
The suspension bridge costing RM250,000 and the access road costing RM150,000, was inaugurated by Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, who is also the assemblyman for Simanggang.
At the function he took the opportunity to also inform the public about ongoing development efforts by the Sarawak government and to dispel misconceptions circulated on social media regarding the purported lack of development in longhouse areas.
He highlighted educational advancements, announcing plans for free education starting from 2026 at Sarawak-owned higher education institutions such as Swinburne University of Technology, Curtin University, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), i-Cats University College, and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs).
In addition to educational initiatives, Sarawak Skills in Bandar Simanggang is actively offering courses to students with Form 3 or higher qualifications, as well as short-term programmes for the community and Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK).
He also emphasised the need to ensure transparency in development projects within the Simanggang constituency, stressing that longhouse chiefs (Tuai Rumah) play a crucial role in communicating these efforts to their communities.
He encouraged them to coordinate with JKKKs to organise inauguration ceremonies for all RTP projects in the area.
Sri Aman Deputy Resident Charlie Keling, meanwhile, urged government officials to be tandem with state development policies.
He also reminded communuity leaders of their pivotal role as liaisons between grassroots communities and the government.
The ceremony was also attended by Penghulu Mingging Sigan, Penghulu Andar Suntai, Penghulu Empaga Bailey, and representatives from numerous villages across Sri Aman Division.
