Community adoption programme has brought positive change in Kiulu — Joniston
Sarawak Christian community celebrates Sultan Ibrahim’s installation as King
The Community Adoption Programme, which aims to empower and improve the quality of life of rural communities, has had a positive impact on three villages in Kiulu near here.
Led by RYTHM Foundation in collaboration with Good Shepherd Services, the project emphasises educational support and sustainable economic empowerment in Kampung Ratau, Kampung Lokub, and Kampung Talantang.
Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the programme instils a sense of pride and resilience in the community, and also empowers villages to become more self-reliant.
“This is a transition towards a brighter future for Kiulu. Of course, we want to see this significant shift through the two main elements of education and sustainable economic empowerment which ultimately paves the way for long-term progress and prosperity for the rural population,” he said.
He was speaking during the closing ceremony of the programme in Kampung Lokub, about 60km from Tuaran town, which was officiated by QI Group executive chairman Datuk Seri Vijay Eswaran.
Joniston said in terms of educational support, the project had benefitted 80 students of SK Lokub and emphasised the commitment to nurture individuals in the community by involving youth and mothers as tuition teachers.
“Furthermore, this Community Adoption Programme also drives economic empowerment initiatives, particularly in the field of ecotourism.
“I hope the residents of Kampung Ratau, Kampung Lokub, and Kampung Talantang will support and complement each other in terms of energy, ideas, and resources to jointly promote ecotourism products,” he said, adding that,” he said.
As Kiulu assemblyman and Sabah Tourism Board chairman, Joniston said he would fully support ecotourism initiatives in Kiulu as he believed in the importance of the tourism sector as an economic catalyst for Sabah.
He also commended RYTHM Foundation and Good Shepherd Services for emphasising the involvement of women in entrepreneurship, where participants have managed vegetable gardens in Kampung Ratau, grocery stores in Kampung Talantang, and photocopy services and pastry sales in Kampung Lokub.
RYTHM Foundation is a social impact initiative of QI Group, a multinational conglomerate with interests in education, tourism, direct selling, real estate development and retail. — Bernama
KUCHING: The Christian community in Sarawak joins all Malaysians in celebrating the installation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, said the Rt Revd Datuk Danald Jute.
“We humbly offer to His Majesty, the King and Her Majesty, the Queen, Raja Zarith Sofiah, our hearty felicitations and congratulations,” the Association of Churches Sarawak chairman said in a statement yesterday.
Danald, also Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, said in faithfulness to the Biblical mandate in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, the Christians will uphold Their Majesties in their prayers.
“May God grant his favour and blessings upon Their Majesties and bestow upon them great wisdom, good health, and deep compassion during their reign of our beloved Malaysia.
“May this colourful and beautiful country, richly blessed with diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, be more united and continue to enjoy peace, harmony and prosperity,” he said.
Sultan Ibrahim took his oath of office on Jan 31 as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term.
Also extending its congratulations to Sultan Ibrahim was the Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council (MBCC).
“On behalf of the Buddhist community in Malaysia, we extend our heartiest congratulations and welcome His Royal Highness as the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“This marks an important event in the history of our beloved country, and we are filled with optimism that we can move forward under the wise and benevolent leadership of Sultan Ibrahim,” said MBCC in a statement yesterday.
“May your reign be marked by prosperity, peace, and harmony, reflecting the bountiful harvest and friendly nature of the people. May the governance of the government be guided by the principle of justice and ensure that all actions contribute to the well-being of the people.”
The council added that it was inspired by Sultan Ibrahim’s commitment to uphold tradition and noble values, which are necessary for the strength and unity of Malaysia.