KUCHING: The elevation of Pantu from a sub-district to a district will bring improved government services and administration to the people, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg .

       The caretaker Chief Minister said Pantu was identified as a new district in Sri Aman division following a study by the state secretary.

       “This is because we want to give better services to the people. Government services have increased over the years and delivery must follow suit.

       “For example, the Welfare Department is no longer just looking after welfare assistance but also channels the endowment fund for newborn babies and post-natal financial assistance to mothers.

       “With these additional services, our administration must be more effective,” he said when launching the new district in Pantu, about 135km from here, on Tuesday (Dec 14).

       Pantu was one of five new districts approved by the state government this year. The others are Gedong, which was officially launched on Sunday (Dec 12), Lingga, Sebuyau and Siburan.

       Abang Johari said a new administrative complex would be built in Pantu to house its new district office.

       He pledged to deliver the complex and better services should Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) receive a fresh mandate to form the new state government in the Dec 18 state election.

       “If we are in the same boat, we can work together for a brighter future under GPS,” he said.

       The new Pantu district will cover an area of 833 sq km with a population of about 11,150 people.