MIRI: The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development is striving to ensure youth and communities in both urban and rural areas are not left behind.
This commitment was brought to bear with the implementation of the ministry’s Go Rural programme in Long Seridan today (Dec 15), a move hailed as a step towards promoting social inclusivity in line with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, highlighted the government’s efforts to bridge the urban-rural divide.
“The government’s rural development initiatives are designed to expose and empower youth and local communities, demonstrating our unwavering concern and commitment to their well-being,” he said.
“Social inclusivity is a core priority, and we aim to ensure that no one is left behind,” he added.
Abdul Karim noted that the ministry, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has implemented 272 youth development programmes, benefitting over 250,000 young people across Sarawak.
Key initiatives include the Sarawak Youth Day celebration, Sarawak Youth Tour, Go Rural, Go University, Youth Got Skills, Youth Survival Skills, and Sarawak XTive programmes, among others.
A notable highlight of these efforts is the Youth for Youth Initiative, which seeks to empower Sarawak’s young leaders through holistic training, networking opportunities, and mentoring programmes.
For example, during the Go Rural initiative in Long Seridan, the Miri Youth Association partnered with the Ministry to deliver the ‘Program Belia Prihatin’.
This programme saw food assistance provided to 40 individuals in need, exemplifying the spirit of youth-led community service.
The programme also saw RM50,000 in donations distributed to Long Seridan.
This marks the fifth instalment of the initiative, which focuses on youth development, sports, and entrepreneurial activities in remote areas.
Since its inception, the programme has reached over 11,000 youth and community members across Sarawak.
Reflecting on its success, Abdul Karim said that previous Go Rural locations included Rumah Jackson Wan Luhat in Bintulu, Long Singut in Kapit, Long Luyang in Miri, and Kampung Awat-Awat in Limbang.
“The Go Rural programme exemplifies our proactive approach to nurturing the potential of Sarawak’s youth and uplifting rural communities,” he said.
