The award winners in a photo call with Abang Johari (back row, centre) and other dignitaries. — Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: The Land and Survey Department won gold in the Main State Agency category of the Chief Minister’s Trophy at this year’s State Civil Service Day.

Land and Survey Department state director Abdullah Julaihi holds aloft the trophy after it was presented to him by Abang Johari (fourth right).

The department received a cash prize of RM50,000 and a trophy, presented by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during the event held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching yesterday.

Sarawak Energy Berhad secured silver while the National Registration Department Sarawak took home bronze.

State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion in his speech said the awards were testament to the outstanding and excellent achievements and performances in governance and service delivery by state and federal agencies, statutory bodies and government-linked companies.

“Congratulations to all 2019 winners and to those who participated but did not win, don’t be discouraged as the most important part is that you tried.

“Take it as an opportunity to improve and discover new ways of doing things. We appreciate the time and effort that you all have put in improving service delivery to our people,” he said.

Jaul said this year’s awards saw the participation of 94 agencies in various categories.

He also stressed on the importance of discipline in the state’s civil service whereby its services must be based on moral foundations.

“I would like to emphasise how important our services are especially in the rural areas, where some of our rakyat (people) travel for many hours by land or by boat just to get our government services.

“In compliance to rules and regulations, we must ensure all our government service counters are opened on time, services are rendered professionally, advice given with care, and going the extra mile in serving our customers to ensure they are heard, understood and respected.”

Other award winners yesterday included Limbang Resident’s Office (Best Resident’s and District Office Category), State Treasury Department (State Secretary’s Trophy – Gold) and Yayasan Sarawak (Sarawak Federal Secretary’s Trophy – Gold).