SARATOK: Over RM11.8 million in funds under the Sejahtera Komuniti (SejaTi) MADANI initiative has been channelled by the federal government to 129 Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) in the Saratok District.
Senator Pele Peter Tinggom stated that the amount allocated for Saratok District was the highest in Sarawak.
“I understand that Saratok District has the most JKKKs receiving funds under SejaTi MADANI, with an expenditure of RM11,828,620 involving 129 JKKKs.
“The second highest is Kabong District with 93 JKKKs.
“And I would like to remind all JKKKs, don’t end up like the title of Fauziah Latiff’s song “Teratai Layu Di Tasik Madu” (Wilted Lotus in the Honey Lake).
“Use this fund to develop your villages and longhouses so that the core goals and objectives of the SejaTi MADANI programme are achieved,” he said.
He mentioned this during the launching ceremony of the SejaTi MADANI Mock Cheques Presentation for Saratok District 2024 at Kampung Kaba today.
Pele said that the provision of a maximum of RM100,000 for each JKKK was a first-of-its-kind initiative.
“This is historic and reflects the government’s commitment to empowering the rural economy. In this regard, I urge all JKKKs to manage this fund responsibly.
“If possible, proposed projects should be capable of increasing the JKKK incomes for the overall benefit of the residents,” he said.
Next year, in the federal government budget, Pele added, rural development programmes would be further strengthened through the SejaTi MADANI Initiative with an allocation of RM1 billion. He expressed his gratitude to the Saratok District Office and the State Development Office (SDO), along with community leaders and village chiefs (KMKK) who collaborated to facilitate the SejaTi MADANI process this year.
The event was also attended by Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri, Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, Betong Division Resident Richard Michael, Saratok District Officer Muhammad Dino Amid, Kabong District Officer Tahir Mohd Share, and representative of the State Development Office director Aziba Rashidi.
