KUCHING: Gawai Dayak is a time for Sarawakians to celebrate their unity and harmony, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah (pic).
He said unity was the driving force behind Sarawak's political stability, progress and economic development.
"Let us, during this festive season, celebrate the existing unity, harmony and cooperation among us all, in sync with our slogan Segulai Sejalai (Together in Unity)," he said in his Gawai message on Friday (May 31).
Uggah also said the state government was committed to rural development by focusing on improving infrastructure and access to healthcare, providing education and income-generating opportunities and expanding Internet and digital services.
He said this commitment was reflected in the state budget, with RM4.54bil allocated to rural development last year and RM5.695bil this year.
"Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, RM44.28bil has been approved for rural infrastructure, namely roads and bridges.
"In addition, a sum of RM1.64bil has been approved for rural transformation programmes," he added.
Uggah also said nine regional development agencies had been set up across Sarawak to speed up the implementation of rural infrastructure and socioeconomic programmes.
He said each agency was allocated RM1.5bil to carry out its tasks.
"This is to ensure that rural areas will attain developed status by 2030, in line with the post-Covid development strategy which targets Sarawak to achieve economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability by 2030," he said.
