PADAWAN: The Randau Pembangunan Sosial (RPS) or Social Development Dialogue at Kampung Biya Assum here has attracted villagers as well as those from the surrounding areas.
The number of people coming to the village for this three-day programme has been encouraging as there are interesting exhibitions and booths set up including games for children to play.
Agencies such as the Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), the Ministry of Health (MOH) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were present.
Apart from exhibitions, government agencies and NGOs also provide advisory services, consultations and presentation besides talks and seminars for the villagers.
The villagers as well as the community leaders here have earnestly welcomed the programme as it helped to create awareness of the current social issues in the state.
Apparently, the villagers came from eight villages, namely Kampung Biya Assum, Kampung Biya Kidding, Kampung Biya Kakas, Kampung Biya Kamas, Kampung Biya Jaber, Kampung Biya Nusaraya, Kampung Biya Parang and Kampung Biya Sapit.
Here are some comments from a community leader and village chiefs who attended the programme.
PETER ANGOM
Penghulu for Annah and Tibia area
This programme has been fruitful given that there are a lot of agencies and NGOs providing services and consultation as well as interesting exhibitions that attract villagers from all over this area. I am happy that this programme has been able to create awareness among the rural villagers here on current social issues. This is especially to prevent our youth here from getting involved in bad things. The dialogue is positive and I hope similar programmes will be held in the future.
KUTUN SOGOD
Kampung Biya Jaber village chief
To bring the villagers here has been great because there are a lot of new inputs and information especially on social issues that can corrupt our people, particularly the youth. The talks and seminars held during the three-day programme were also positive as they gave us knowledge of what issues we are facing today. I hope my people will remember what they learnt here.
YUYUH GUMI
Kampung Biya Sapit village chief
The RPS programme is good to create more awareness among our people here. With a lot of activities held here, many people came here and they have learnt new things as well. Children in particular were interested in the programme and also games held here. This is a positive thing and I hope it continues on.
MIGENG BAHAS
Kampung Biya Parang village chief
We have learnt new things and know what kind of social issues that we are facing now. It is important for people to realise that our children are the future and we must guide them and prevent them from getting involved in bad things. Social issues are serious matters and we must be wary of this. RPS programme has surely been helpful to the villagers.
