LUBOK ANTU: The Sarawak Government has approved RM500,000 under the Rural Transformation Project (RTP) to build a new Chinese Community Hall here.
Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, announced the allocation during a visit to Entugam on Friday.
He said the new hall would provide a more comfortable and conducive space for social and cultural activities, while also serving as a catalyst for local economic growth.
“Besides functioning as a centre for social and cultural activities, this hall can be utilised for entrepreneurship programmes, training sessions and activities that support the community’s economic growth,” he said.
Mussen added that the facility could host community events, programmes and income-generating activities to benefit residents.
During the visit, he also announced RM40,000 under the Minor Rural Project (MRP) to strengthen development efforts in Entugam.
Of the amount, RM20,000 was channelled to the Entugam Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) for community projects and the upgrading of basic amenities to improve residents’ comfort and productivity.
Another RM20,000 was allocated to the Lubok Antu Charitable Trust Fund to support welfare and community programmes, including initiatives aimed at enhancing well-being and economic resilience.
He stressed that rural development must be implemented strategically and inclusively to ensure communities in interior areas enjoy wider economic opportunities.
“The Sarawak Government remains committed to ensuring that development initiatives not only improve basic infrastructure, but also deliver direct impact on economic growth and the people’s standard of living,” he said.
Mussen noted that ground visits allow the government to better assess the needs and potential of local communities, enabling more focused and high-impact development planning.