Jepak to experience steady growth — CM
BINTULU: The Jepak area here would continue to experience steady growth, with many basic facility projects in the pipeline and some anchor developments to kick off soon.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said as promised to the people of Jepak, the works on a bridge crossing the Kemena River, meant to connect the town area with Kampung Jepak, would commence by the end of this year.
“We are in the process of developing Jepak, similar to Petra Jaya in Kuching; when I promise, I will fulfil my promise,” he told participants of a townhall session at the civic centre on Friday night, which was the highlight of the ‘Today for Tomorrow Carnival’.
Abang Johari was responding to questions from the floor requesting for Sarawak government to include a holistic development plan for Jepak, including those catering to sports and recreational needs.
“I will build a stadium in Jepak – we have a designated green park in our Jepak master plan, a green area for recreational activities; I will make sure that it is free,” said the chief minister.
He also reiterated the Sarawak’s government focus on digital economy, calling upon the people to embrace technology in their daily lives.
Abang Johari also emphasised on the power of knowledge, which would expedite economic growth.
He said as to keep Sarawak on track with the latest developments and changes in the world, it would need knowledgeable leaders who could see the future and ‘prepare today’s young generation for tomorrow’.
“It is important for us to have proper planning – we have the strength; now we need a direction for smooth economic growth, (and) to create jobs in line with the changes in the world’s economy,” stressed Abang Johari.
He also underlined the need to have a balance in life, adding that Sarawak must keep moving ‘like a bicycle – able to move and at the same time, maintain good balance.
“The ‘bicycle’ will change – today (it) is us, and tomorrow (it) will be you who will be driving Sarawak towards a better future,” he added.
Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadilah Yusof, Minister of Utilities and Kemena assemblyman Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Assistant Minister in Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) and Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi, Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu, and Bintulu Resident Jack Aman Luat were also present at the event.