KUCHING: Three more new districts in Sarawak have been officially declared, for improved administration and service delivery.

       Caretaker chief minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (pic) said Pantu, Lingga and Sebuyau were elevated from sub-districts to districts following a study by the state secretary and respective local administrative offices.

       “We want to better serve the people. Government services have increased over the years and service delivery must follow suit.

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

       “With these additional services, our administration must be more effective,” he said when launching the new Pantu district, about 135km from here, yesterday.

       Abang Johari also officially declared Lingga and Sebuyau as districts in separate ceremonies yesterday.

       This follows the launch of Gedong as a district on Sunday. In all, five new districts were approved by the state government this year as well as one new sub-district.

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

       He pledged to deliver the complex and provide improved services should Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) receive a fresh mandate to form the new state government.

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

       At another event in Simunjan, Abang Johari said he would continue to look after all of Sarawak if GPS wins a fresh mandate in the polls.

       Although he had moved from his long-time Satok seat to Gedong, he said this did not mean he would look after Gedong only.

       “I will look after (neighbouring) Simunjan too.

       “In fact, I will look after all of Sarawak because I am chief minister for all Sarawakians.

       “We will move forward together for a brighter future for our children,” he said.