PADAWAN: Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Road), Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, announced several strategic development initiatives that will directly benefit the Kampung Sumur Bunuk community.

Among the initiatives announced were an allocation of RM200,000 under the Rural Transformation Project (RTP) to pave Lorong Beriang in Kampung Sumur Bunuk, in addition to the implementation of the Bunuk to Sorot Road project which is currently in planning stages and is expected to be completed by 2026.

In addition, RM30,000 was also channeled through the Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocation to the Sumur Bunuk Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) for administrative purposes and to strengthen the cultural activities of the local community.

According to Datuk Dr Jerip, who is also the Mambong Assemblyman, continued investment in basic infrastructure such as roads and village facilities is important to improve the quality of life and expand the community's access to economic and social opportunities.

“The development we are implementing is not just physical, but also touches on the cultural and educational aspects that form the grassroots of community progress,” he stressed.

He said this while speaking at the Ngarum Nyibayan Kampung Sumur Bunuk 2025 Ceremony held at the Kampung Bunuk Cultural Centre Hall, on Saturday.

Meanwhile, he also unveiled plans to organise the Padawan Bidayuh Cultural Carnival next year as part of efforts to preserve the cultural identity of the Bidayuh sub-ethnic groups such as Biya, Biannah, Biperoh, Bisegu, Bisitang Braang and BiBengoh Danu.

The ceremony also witnessed the presentation of academic excellence incentives to eight excellent students from Kampung Sumur Bunuk, who achieved impressive results in the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM), Malaysian Certificate of Higher Education (STPM) and higher education institutions in the 2023/2024 session.

Datuk Dr Jerip stressed that holistic development that includes infrastructure, education and culture is the key to the success of rural communities, and every initiative must be comprehensive and have high impact.

“We need to educate and guide children to become bridges to the future of society. They are the hope and invaluable assets,” he said.

Also present were the Administrative Officer in Charge of the Padawan Subdistrict Office Julius Scott Sapong, a representative of the Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament Halik Kuyong and the Durit Chief Moteng.- UKASnews