BINTANGOR: The annual Pre-Gawai Visit has once again proven to be more than just a cultural gesture of unity and respect towards the Dayak community—it also serves as a vital avenue for disseminating information about Sarawak government assistance schemes to the people.

Meradong Assemblyman, Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing, said the Pre-Gawai programme, now on its 15th day, involves visits to longhouses throughout the Bintangor area and reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to engage with rural communities directly.

He noted that there are a total of 184 longhouses within the Meradong constituency, regardless of their size or location, and affirmed his commitment to visiting each of them ahead of this year’s Gawai celebration.

“Beyond sharing festive goodwill, I am also using this opportunity to explain the various aid and incentive programmes provided by the Sarawak Government under the leadership of the Premier,” he said.

Among the key initiatives highlighted were the Kenyalang Gold Card, Sarawak Basic Necessities Assistance (SKAS), the Sarawak Health Benefit Scheme for Senior Citizens (SCHB), Maternity Assistance (BIB), and the Sarawak Endowment Fund (EFS) for newborns.

He also underscored the state’s focus on education, particularly through the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (SPTPS), set to benefit students pursuing studies at state-owned institutions such as Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak and i-CATS University College, starting in 2026.

Datuk Ding called on the public to continue supporting Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) representatives at all levels to ensure the continuity of rural development and the well-being of the people in the Meradong District. -UKASnews