DBP programme targets community needs in Gedong

GEDONG : Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) is extending its role beyond promoting the Malay language and literature to support community development through the Satu Pemimpin, Satu Kampung programme in Gedong.

DBP director-general Datuk Dr Hazami Jahari said the programme focused on identifying local socioeconomic and development issues, while facilitating collective solutions through cooperation with ministries, departments, agencies and relevant stakeholders.

He said Kampung Tengah Ulu Gedong was selected for the programme because it was his birthplace.

“Our activities will also cover the surrounding areas of Gedong and Semuja,” he said when speaking at the programme, which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg here today (Oct 18).

Hazami said the programme is not intended to take over development efforts already undertaken by the government, but rather to complement them by addressing community needs with support from relevant agencies.

He said areas of focus included community development, education and efforts to assist those facing poverty.

He also expressed his appreciation to the state and federal governments, the District Office and community leaders for their cooperation in ensuring the programme’s success.

Recalling his childhood in Gedong, Hazami said villagers once faced considerable hardships, relying on fishing, employment in the logging sector and rice cultivation to make a living.

However, he said development and greater emphasis on education had opened up opportunities for village children to improve their living standards and contribute back to their communities.

He said the ‘Satu Pemimpin, Satu Kampung’ programme would continue until his retirement in 2028, with more structured activities planned to assist residents, particularly young people.

Activities held in conjunction with the programme included a fishing competition involving 180 participants, a futsal competition, religious talks, as well as motivational sessions and a final intensive preparation programme for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.

Related activities are also planned for surrounding areas, including initiatives to encourage reading in Kampung Lubok Punggor.

Hazami said the initiative is expected to help establish a more supportive village environment for the well-being of the community.

He also shared a personal memory of receiving the Best Co-curricular Student Award at SMKA Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab in 1985, which was presented by Abang Johari, who was serving in that capacity at the time.

He said that 41 years later, he had the opportunity to return to his birthplace to serve and give back to the local community.