KUCHING: Gedong is now a new district in Sarawak's Samarahan division, paving the way for better services and development in the area, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       The caretaker Chief Minister said this was in line with the state government's plans to transform rural areas and improve the people's standard of living.

       "As a new district, Gedong will have a well organised administrative structure, with a district officer to be appointed and district council set up.

       "Gedong will also have a new development approach through the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA), which will plan and develop the districts in Samarahan," he said when launching the new district in Gedong, about 85km from here, on Sunday (Dec 12).

       Abang Johari said Gedong was one of five new districts created in Sarawak this year.

       The others are Siburan in Serian division, Sebuyau in Samarahan and Lingga and Pantu in Sri Aman.

       He said Gedong would be developed as a satellite town in Samarahan.

       "It is close to Samarahan where there are institutions of higher learning and research institutions.

       "Gedong and its surrounding areas also have potential for agriculture and tourism," he said.

       Abang Johari expressed his appreciation to former Gedong assemblyman Datuk Naroden Majais for his contributions in the area.

       He also thanked the people of Gedong for welcoming him as a candidate in the 12th state election.

       "At the same time, I have to thank the people of Satok for their willingness for me to move to Gedong and serve the rural folk," he said.

       Abang Johari is contesting in Gedong for the first time this election after serving as Satok assemblyman since 1981.

       He is facing Mohamad Sofian Fariz Sharbini of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), Amanah's Kamal Bujang and Tomson Ango of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) in the Dec 18 polls.