By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Apr 24: It is vital that community development initiatives go beyond formalities and superficial implementation and instead deliver tangible results on the ground that address real issues faced by the people.
Speaking at the ‘Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac) with the Community’ programme at Bintulu today, its minister, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, said the people look at results, not processes.
“People do not want agencies to just come, look around, say a few things, do the bare minimum, and then leave. What they want is for problems to be solved—not just to see that something has been done,” he said.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, noted that Kampung Nour Iman has been selected as one of the Kampung Angkat Madani locations under Motac, where several infrastructure improvements have been carried out, such as upgrading the community hall, installing solar lighting, constructing a viewing platform, and improving the drainage system.
He stressed that although these may appear to be ‘basic’ facilities, such improvements have a direct impact on the daily lives of residents and also benefit surrounding communities, including Kampung Seberang Jaya.
He also commended agencies such as the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) for their cooperation, noting that such multi-agency coordination reflects the Government’s capability in driving community development.
At the same time, the Dudong assemblyman acknowledged that several longstanding grassroots issues remain, and that the real challenge is not a lack of resources, but the level of implementation and commitment.
“Many problems are not impossible to solve. The real question is whether we are serious about addressing them,” he said.
Citing land issues as an example, he praised the Land and Survey Department for clearly explaining that 99 per cent of land titles have been issued, while the remaining cases were accompanied by transparent reasons.
On drainage and infrastructure, he revealed that some older residential areas still rely on earth drains instead of proper concrete systems, indicating room for improvement in implementation.
Touching on flood mitigation, Tiong stressed the need to address root causes rather than relying on short-term measures.
“We cannot keep looking for shortcuts. Digging drains or building pump stations will not solve the problem if the root causes are not addressed. We must do what is right, not just what makes us look busy,” he said.
As part of the programme, the Santuni Madani initiative was also carried out simultaneously, where government representatives engaged directly with residents of Kampung Seberang Jaya to gather feedback, with assurances that relevant agencies would take follow-up action.
Beyond infrastructure, he emphasised that community development must also be supported by economic empowerment. Through Kraftangan Malaysia, training programmes have been introduced to equip residents with skills such as batik linut making, beadwork, and weaving, enabling them to generate income through traditional crafts.
He further noted that community participation plays a crucial role in strengthening local identity and unity. Initiatives such as gotong-royong (community clean-up) and public space improvements help build a sense of ownership, while artistic elements like murals by the National Visual Arts Development Board (LPSVN) enhance the village’s character and visual appeal.
“These murals are not just decoration. They can become attractions that draw tourists and create new tourism focal points,” he said.
Tiong added that places with strong culture and identity naturally become more appealing to visitors, highlighting that Motac actively promotes village and longhouse homestay experiences, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in local lifestyles, culture, and daily life.
He stressed that these efforts align with preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, where community participation is key to building a sustainable tourism ecosystem.
“Tourism does not end when tourists arrive. It must create lasting opportunities within the community. Only when communities are involved does tourism become meaningful. Only when income stays within the community does development become sustainable,” he said.
Amid global economic uncertainties, Tiong emphasised the need to strengthen economic resilience from the ground up, with communities forming the most critical foundation. — DayakDaily
