LAWAS: The government has approved the construction of a larger airport, a deep-sea port on Pulau Sari, and a MARA Junior Science College here.
Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong stated that these initiatives are being carried out by the federal government, while the state government is also addressing various issues to tackle the rising cost of living.
“With the proposed development, it will significantly enhance the sea and air transportation systems in the area,” he said during the launch of the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) 2024 convoy programmeme at Arena Court today (Aug 27).
Reflecting on Malaysia’s 67 years of independence, he acknowledged that the journey has been challenging, marked by obstacles, challenges, and even wars in the past.
“We have achieved what we longed for—independence. Therefore, all citizens should take pride in and safeguard the unity of the nation because, at 67 years, we have attained a level of maturity both as a people and as a nation,” he emphasised.
He also expressed gratitude to the Department of Information (JAPEN) Sarawak for organizing the KMJG convoy, which involved three phases.
This year’s convoy consists of eight JAPEN Sarawak vehicles and 34 participants, covering 24 stops and traveling approximately 4,025 km, starting from Telok Melano to Lawas and returning to Sibu on August 31 to celebrate the Sarawak state-level National Day.
At each pit stop, the KMJG convoy hosts programmes such as the Merdeka@Komuniti / Merdeka@Parliament programme, PENTARAMA performances, and the symbolic handing over of the Jalur Gemilang.
The programme aims to raise public awareness of the significance of independence and to instil patriotism within the community.
JAPEN is also strongly focusing on local communities to ensure that the 2024 National Month celebration continues to resonate at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, the KMJG programme serves as a platform for JAPEN to disseminate information, messages, and campaigns carried out by the government.
There were also exhibitions by agencies such as the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (BOMBA), the Anti-Drug Association of Malaysia (PEMADAM), Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), JAPEN, and Amanah Simpanan Nasional Berhad (ASNB) to enhance the public’s understanding of their roles and functions.
The Department also invites the public to fly the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of love for the country, loyalty, and sacrifice, and to uphold the spirit of patriotism in appreciation of the independence achieved 67 years ago, in line with the 1 Home, 1 Jalur Gemilang (1R1JG) initiative introduced by the Ministry of Communications.
