Telang Usan rep proposes for dedicated unit to oversee Sarawak’s rural development

KUCHING (Nov 17): A dedicated unit to specifically oversee Sarawak’s rural development should be established under the Premier’s Department to ensure programmes are well-coordinated and delivered promptly, said Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau.

Speaking during his debate on the state budget 2025 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly last Friday, Dennis commended the budget’s allocations but stressed the need for a mechanism to ensure the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s vision and initiatives are achieved within a measurable timeframe.

“Under the five overarching goals, particularly point number three – ‘Strengthening government capacity and capability to deliver quality services’ – I suggest that the state government explore the possibility of establishing a dedicated unit under the Premier’s Department to specifically focus on Sarawak’s rural development,” he said.

While acknowledging the unconventional nature of the proposal, Dennis highlighted the substantial focus and funding allocated for rural development.

He argued that a dedicated department could streamline the coordination and implementation of rural projects and programmes while complementing the efforts of existing ministries.

“As the representative of a very rural constituency, I am of the opinion that the state needs this setup to ensure rural development programmes are well-coordinated and delivered in a timely manner, in line with approved plans,” he added.

Dennis also highlighted the need to relocate the sub-district office in Long Lama to Long San.

This proposal, supported by local community leaders, follows a series of meetings led by Telang Usan District Office over the years.

“This is because Long Lama have been upgraded to a full fledge district. The earlier planning was for Telang Usan district office to be sited at Bandar Baru Telang Usan within the Baram Hydro Masterplan.

“We are of the opinion that a government service centre should be created at Long San to enable our poor rural folks to be well-served by the government.

“Therefore, I urged the relevant authority to look into this and possibly kick-start the implementation of Long San Sub-District at Long San soonest possible to enable the government’s promise of quality service delivery to be fulfilled,” said Dennis.