KAPIT (Feb 15): The career roadshow run by the Public Service Commission (SPA) at the civic centre here is regarded a successful event, with the turnout numbers on the first day already exceeding the initial target. KAPIT (Feb 15): The career roadshow run by the Public Service Commission (SPA) at the civic centre here is regarded a successful event, with the turnout numbers on the first day already exceeding the initial target. Data from the organiser obtained at 4.30pm today indicated that the number of people coming to the ‘Program Kembara Kerjaya SPA @ Kapit 2025' reached over 500, more than half of the earlier-set 200. Today, the last day of this weekend programme, it is expected that there will be more coming. Run in collaboration with Kapit District Office and supported by various other government departments and agencies, this roadshow houses various counters and booths where the job-seekers, the majority of whom are youths, can either apply for vacancies or hand in their applications via online. SPA chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Jailani Muhamed Yunus officiated at the opening ceremony today, where he was accompanied by the commission's secretary Datuk Ikhbal Hanam Mukras, Kapit District Officer Cerisologo Sabut and other key officers. “This ‘Program Kembara Kerjaya SPA @ Kapit 2025' is an initiative by the commission to reach out to the rural youths and facilitate them in applying for jobs via the SPA Portal. “To date, 10,280 individuals have registered with the SPA. “For this Kapit event, we're initially expecting 200 applicants, but the response was so overwhelming that by now (noon), there are already 300 already registered through this programme. “In this regard, we would like to thank the Kapit District Office for coordinating with the SPA in holding this roadshow throughout this weekend,” said Ahmad Jailani, also commending the Public Service Commission of Sarawak (SPANS), Kapit Health Office, Labour Department, Social Security Organisation, GiatMara, National Accounting Department, Education Department Sarawak and Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak. On another note, Ahmad Jailani acknowledged the development in this division, recalling how different it was back when he was the permanent secretary to the Rural and Regional Development Ministry years ago, and also where he was involved in the early stage of planning and implementation of the Kapit-Song-Ngemah-Kanowit road project. “When I was attached to the Works Ministry, I visited Kapit and Song to see the road construction, together with Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi who is the minister and Kapit MP. “Compared to 10 years ago, Kapit has changed a lot. “Years ago, after 3pm, access to Kapit would be cut off – now, one can drive to town at any time.” However, he noticed that during the drive from Sibu to Kapit on Friday, the 88km stretch lacked streetlights and signs. “It's very dark after nightfall. More signages and streetlights should be installed, especially at the sharp corners,” he said. Meanwhile, Cerisologo appealed to SPA to give due consideration to recruit locals to work in the federal civil service. “We don't ask for senior posts, but please consider recruiting the locals for the junior positions and supporting roles, so as to motivate the local youths to study hard,” said Cerisologo..