By Adrian Lim
SERIAN, Aug 8: The Sarawak government has transformed the small town of Balai Ringin which is located some 30 km from here into a town which is vibrant and equipped with various amenities over the years.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state government has progressively developed the rural areas such as Balai Ringin with various infrastructure to keep up with the development of other towns and cities.
“Today, we have seen a lot of changes and development, which arise from a responsible government which builds various infrastructures.
“Various development in the state can to be implemented only with a corrupt-free, visionary government which prioritises the welfare of the people.
“We (the state government) provide development to the rural areas and not just limited to towns and cities.
“This is what the state government has been doing as we also develop the human capital in the rural areas including building up the youths of Balai Ringin here,” he said in his speech prior to the launch of the 12th Edition of the Sarawak Youth Expedition 2020 at SMK Balai Ringin, Serian here today.
At the same time, Abdul Karim urged the youths to work hard and elevate the status of Sarawak into greater heights.
He believed poverty is no hindrance to success and urges the youth to have high spirits and strong determination in order to succeed.
He was also confident Sarawakian youths have the ability to become great leaders either in the private or public sectors in the future.
Thus, Abdul Karim who is Asajaya assemblyman urged them to be courageous and outline their aspirations so that the state government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports could provide a platform for them to fulfil their goals.
At the same event, Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan said youths are potential leaders of the state and country.
He also described the youths as an important asset to the country which will bring greater development to the country in the future.
Snowdan who is also Balai Ringin assemblyman hoped that Sarawakian youth will take advantage of the digital economy of the state to uplift their standard of living and for betterment of their lives.
He disclosed that there were 205 youths who attended the expedition at SMK Balai Ringin, adding that the event is expected to benefit an estimated 63,500 youths in the Serian division.
Among those present at the event were Youth and Sports acting permanent secretary Nancy Jolhi and community leaders from the Serian division. —DayakDaily
