KUCHING: Sarawak is taking into considerations several aspects, including learning from the shortfall of developed nations, in implementing reform programmes to elevate the social wellbeing of people in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg explained that the state’s social reform programmes, which include the establishment of systematic public transportation network, will create multi-pronged effects for Sarawak to prosper.
“Many advanced countries are still looking into ways to develop an ecosystem, where two generations - the young and the old - can live as one unit for the nation to move forward.
“In Japan, the country is known for the culture of the younger generation having great respect for the elders. This, however, has changed where there is a separation of sorts between the two generations as Japan progresses.
“I learned that Hong Kong is also facing a similar situation. Singapore is undergoing a reform in its society.
“We are fortunate that Sarawak can learn from these countries to rectify our policies, capitalising on our strength to create a society that we aspire,” he said.
Speaking at the open day programme organised by the state Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Ministry, Abang Johari said Sarawak’s social reform programmes would be implemented using the macro approach that involved family institutions, the environment and infrastructure.
The change in the socio-economic landscape has resulted in the society becoming more mobile, which compelled the state government to open up more housing estates and establish people-friendly network of public transportation.
“That is why the state government is bent on developing our Light Rail Transit (LRT) network that will use transit oriented development.
“We can develop new settlement areas along the LRT network, which will help to reduce the land prices in Kuching and enable the state government to build more affordable houses in the state capital.
“Better connectivity and opening of new housing estates will enable us to develop houses bigger than a “kotak mancis” (matchbox), a situation that is happening in other countries.
“Just imagine the pressure on the families living in houses, which is between 450 sq ft and 650 sq ft,” he said, adding that the state government had ample land to build comfortable houses.
He said it was imperative for every family unit to live in a happy environment. Time and financial resources, he said, would be wasted to solve unhappiness in family institutions.