BALINGIAN: A town hall forum involving more than 300 local youths was successfully held here last Saturday.
The programme called ‘Membara: Semarak Kemerdekaan Townhall Belia with Balingian State Assemblyman, Abdul Yakub Haji Arbi’ was organised by Mukah Special Affairs Department (JASA) in collaboration with other organisations here namely Balingian Sports and Recreation Club, Mukah Parliament Youth Organisation, Balingian Brotherhood, One Head, Kuala Balingian Youth Club, Sefamily, Mukah Bikers Club and Fly Non Stop.
The programme held at the multi-purpose hall of Kampung Masjid here was moderated by a popular local emcee, Hazri bin Lai. Among the activities held during the programme which kicked-off at 8am were Busking, Independence Day Quiz, welcoming the arrival of 10th Division Bikers Club’s Independence Day Convoy, prize presentation of Insta Merdeka#im60thbalingian and lucky draws.
The programme also included a ‘speech and dialogue’ session with the guest-of-honour including the participants voicing out of their aspirations. Apart from Balingian State Assemblyman, Abdul Yakub Haji Arbi also present were Mukah District Officer, Shafrie Saili, heads of departments and local community leaders.
According to Mukah Parliament JASA Officer, Hafizzul Abdul Halim, the programme was an appropriate venue for the locals especially the youths to voice out their aspirations.
“It was also a platform for the youths to be heard and being recognised for the roles they play in the community. It is also an indication that the local youths would continue with their positive roles within the community to ensure their competitiveness in all aspects for their benefit and the community at large,” Hafizzul said.
Among issues highlighted by the youths during the programme were the need for the sub-district to have Internet access, the assemblyman’s development plan for Balingian, a multi-purpose court for Kuala Balingian, build more plank walks, loan scheme for youth to get involved in business, entrepreneurs corner, funds for local NGOs to implement their activities, business financing through MARA, Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS), good public transportation for students and the public, elevation of Balingian to a full district and improvement to facilities at SMK Balingian and the sub-district office.
