Kampung Angkat MADANI Lights Up Kapit Longhouses
What began as a simple request for electrical rewiring turned into an unexpected windfall for residents of Rumah Panjang Kiong in the remote interior of Kapit when their village was selected as the Ministry of Works (KKR)’s Kampung Angkat MADANI (KAM) 2025.
Through the project, the community received not only upgraded wiring but also roof repairs, a covered parking area, new furniture, a guest toilet, solar lighting and a public address system.
All the facilities were officially handed over on Dec 6 by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, marking a new chapter in the lives of the Iban longhouse community.
Implemented in October, the RM1 million project faced technical challenges and logistical constraints. Nevertheless, the KKR’s commitment ensured that the upgrading of basic facilities in the settlement was completed on schedule.
MORE THAN JUST PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
For Tuai Rumah (longhouse chief) Kiong Igang, the project goes beyond physical construction, carrying far deeper meaning for a community that has long yearned for development.
Although located only about five kilometres from Kapit town, less than 50 per cent of the longhouse’s basic facilities are covered, and the settlement remains surrounded by forest.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in implementing the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme. We are truly grateful that our village was chosen,” he said emotionally when met at the project handover ceremony.
He shared that the longhouse, which has 24 doors (households), initially requested assistance solely to rewire its ageing electrical system to prevent fire hazards.
“We never expected our village to be selected as a Kampung Angkat MADANI. The facilities we have received will certainly improve the quality of life for the residents,” he said, adding that attention to interior communities was a long-overdue necessity.
“Projects like this should also be extended to other longhouses. In the interior, there is only forest… life is hard. Initiatives like this bring much-needed comfort to people living deep inland,” he added.
Introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 2024, the Kampung Angkat MADANI initiative has transformed selected villages, particularly through the provision of basic amenities.
LIFE NOW FEELS LIKE THE CITY
Rumah Panjang Kiong is not the only interior settlement in Sarawak to benefit. Kampung Nanga Engkuah in Ulu Katibas, Song—comprising three longhouses, Rumah Assan Munan, Rumah Radiah Langit and Rumah Albert Lajong—has also seen significant improvements.
Located about 50 kilometres from Song town and accessible only by river via a nearly three-hour boat journey, the village now enjoys upgraded facilities following the completion of four physical projects worth RM4 million under the KKR’s Kampung Angkat MADANI 2024.
The facilities benefitting all 658 residents of the three longhouses include two new pedestrian bridges linking the settlements to replace dilapidated old structures, solar lighting, an upgraded jetty and improved walkways.
“We feel as if we are living in an urban area. At night, our longhouse area is brightly lit with solar lights, making it easier for us to visit one another,” said Tuai Rumah Radiah Langit, who attended the project handover ceremony on Dec 7 at the Song District Office.
She also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for paying attention to the needs of interior communities.
Under the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme, each village receives an allocation of RM1 million from the MADANI government. However, the cost of upgrading facilities at the three longhouses rose from RM2.5 million to RM4 million, with the additional costs borne by the Ministry of Works.
Tuai Rumah Assan Munan and Tuai Rumah Albert Lajong expressed hope that the Kampung Angkat MADANI initiative would be expanded to more longhouses within the Kapit parliamentary constituency.
“Other longhouse residents undoubtedly dream of enjoying a better life like this… it is only right that the KAM project continues,” said Tuai Rumah Assan.
“If this project continues, interior communities will no longer feel left out of the development stream,” Tuai Rumah Albert added.
STATE–FEDERAL STRATEGIC COOPERATION DRIVES INCLUSIVITY
Commenting on the project, Nanta said the success of the Kampung Angkat MADANI initiative demonstrates the close cooperation between the Sarawak state government and the federal government as a catalyst in narrowing the development gap between urban and rural areas.
He said the project is not merely about infrastructure upgrades, but also aims to strengthen social well-being, expand access to government services and foster more cohesive and competitive communities.
He also hinted at the possibility of expanding the project to the Pelagus state constituency should the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme continue in 2026.
“While no selection has been made yet, we already know which areas are suitable if the project is continued. Its implementation will depend on government approval in the relevant budget,” he said, adding that the final decision rests with the Prime Minister.
Amid the quiet forests and rivers that form the lifeblood of Kapit’s communities, the Kampung Angkat MADANI project has turned hope into reality—demonstrating that inclusive development is no longer just a promise, but a tangible change that can be seen, touched and felt by the people.
Indirectly, the programme has reshaped the socio-economic landscape of Sarawak’s interior communities, offering them access to basic amenities that are often taken for granted by urban populations.
The federal government has allocated RM107 million to implement the Kampung Angkat MADANI Programme, with each ministry or agency receiving RM2.5 million for the purpose, except the Public Service Commission, which received RM2 million.
According to information from the Prime Minister’s Department Implementation Coordination Unit website, there are currently 43 Kampung Angkat MADANI nationwide, benefiting approximately 83,000 residents.
