SELANGAU: The Jiwa Komuniti MADANI programme, themed around community spirit, held at Rumah Ngian, Pelugau, here successfully brought together more than 400 local residents in an effort to foster mutual cooperation and promote understanding of government policies.
Selangau Member of Parliament, Edwin Banta, stated that such programmes not only strengthen ties among residents but also serve as a vital platform for delivering government initiatives and up-to-date information directly to grassroots communities.
“The allocation for infrastructure projects in longhouses must be prioritised according to the community’s needs as the volume of applications is high, while the funding received from both state and federal governments remains limited.
“I therefore urge all parties, particularly the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), to remain patient and to understand the process involved,” he explained.
He noted that there are over 800 longhouses and villages within the Selangau parliamentary constituency, encompassing Selangau and Tatau districts, as well as parts of Mukah and Sibu, all of which require attention and developmental support.
He revealed that a workshop will be held in the near future to further empower these leaders, particularly in their role to disseminate information on government policies and programmes.
Edwin also praised the Sibu Information Department for organising the programme, which he said played a clear role in bridging the gap between the government and the people, particularly through the introduction of the Sejati MADANI initiative.
He noted that the initiative still lacked traction in areas such as Tatau and Selangau due to limited exposure and understanding among the local population.
Meanwhile, Sibu District Information officer, Zaini Morshidi, said this was the first Jiwa Komuniti MADANI programme held here, and his department plans to organise 15 more similar events in the Tamin state constituency, including those themed around upcoming festive celebrations.