LAWAS: Rural education remains a core agenda in the state’s development efforts, with the Sarawak Government reaffirming its long-term commitment to strengthen the sector as a fundamental pillar for the progress of its people and the state.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said inclusive and quality education is not only the government's responsibility but also a strategic investment to ensure the long-term prosperity of Sarawak, especially in rural areas which are still struggling with infrastructure constraints and access to learning.

According to him, the Sarawak Government continues to reinforce its commitment to rural education through the disbursement of education assistance and Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants, in an official ceremony held at the Lawas District Council yesterday.

“Sarawak is very concerned about education development. We have allocated RM160 million to build and repair dilapidated schools, including primary and secondary schools, through the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA),” he said.

The ceremony, organised by the Bukit Sari Service Centre Education Bureau in collaboration with the Lawas District Office, was officiated by Datuk Amar Awang Tengah.

A total of 200 locals were also present to witness the handover of MRP grants to 50 recipients and education assistance to 65 eligible students under the Bukit Sari Constituency Education Bureau initiative.

In a related development, the Bukit Sari Assemblyman announced that starting from 2026, the Sarawak Government will fully cover the tuition fees of Sarawakian students who successfully gain admission into Sarawak-owned institutions of higher learning (IPT).

"This is clear proof that no Sarawakian should drop out just because of financial constraints," he stressed while expressing hope that every Sarawakian family will be able to produce at least one graduate.

As part of the inclusive education agenda, the Sarawak Government has also introduced initiatives such as the provision of free laptops for first-time students entering IPT, and book vouchers for students from families with a per capita income of RM1,500 or below.

At the same event, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah also presented a special contribution to Awangku Nasrullah Awangku Adenan, a young athlete from Lawas who brought honour to the nation by winning two gold medals in the shot put event at a recent international competition held in Singapore.

Also present were Limbang Division Resident, Unus Tambi, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Awangku Jinal Abedin Pengiran Dato Jawa, Lawas District Officer, Ladin Atok, and NRDA Director, Datu Ubaidillah Abd Latif. -UKASnews