Longhouse Women’s Leadership Increasingly Empowered In Betong
BETONG: Women’s leadership at the longhouse level is receiving growing recognition, with 14 women Tuai Rumah having been appointed in the Betong area, reflecting a positive shift in the social structure of rural communities.
Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, said the involvement of women in community leadership not only demonstrates their ability to lead, but also helps strengthen cooperation among residents in implementing various development initiatives.
“The participation of women in longhouse leadership not only shows a positive change in society, but also helps to reinforce cooperation among residents in carrying out various development programmes.
“Today, we see that women are not only playing roles within the family institution, but are also capable of leading communities effectively, thereby contributing to more inclusive rural development,” he said when speaking at the Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat programme at Rh. Spell Anak Gelayan, Selulap, on Sunday.
At the same time, he stressed that the roles of village chiefs and Tuai Rumah remain key pillars in ensuring that every government development plan can be delivered effectively to the people, particularly in longhouse areas.
According to him, the implementation of various projects under the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) continues to serve as a catalyst for rural transformation, including the proposed construction of a new road to Tebalau Ulu, Layar, valued at RM10 million, which is currently at the design stage.
Meanwhile, Betong Member of Parliament, Dato Dr Richard Rapu, said development in the area is not only focused on infrastructure, but also involves efforts to strengthen socio-economic empowerment and improve the quality of life of the local community.
He said the state government’s initiative in education, including covering tuition fees at all Sarawak-owned universities starting in 2026, will open wider opportunities for students, particularly those from rural areas, to pursue higher education.
In a related development, he also announced a contribution of RM5,000 to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Rumah Panjang Selulap to support the implementation of community activities.
At the event, certificates of appointment were also presented to newly appointed and reappointed Tuai Rumah, involving 31 longhouses in the area.
Also present were Betong Division Resident, Datu Richard Michael Abunawas, Betong District Officer, Laga Kueh, Betong Division Agriculture Officer, Leo Toni, Pemanca of the Iban community in Betong District, Norman Ngumbang, Penghulu of the Layar Tengah area, Stanley Ejau Erin, as well as Tuai Rumah Spell Gelayan of Rumah Panjang Selulap. -UKASnews
