SUAI: The Penan Festival ‘Tipun Pinum Pengida Penan’ continues to serve as a significant platform in boosting community unity and encouraging a shift in mindset towards progress among rural populations, particularly within the Penan community.

Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said such programmes go beyond social gatherings, functioning instead as a platform to strengthen collaboration and showcase the potential of local communities.

He said the Penan community must have the courage to come forward as agents of change by enhancing self-image and building the resilience needed to compete in today’s evolving landscape.

“It is time for us to show the world that we are capable of change and progress.

“Image is an important thing that we must be mindful of,” he said when speaking at the event in Kampung Maring, Jambatan Suai, on Saturday.

The Kemena Assemblyman stressed that the success of any community hinges on sustained effort and the collective determination to improve living standards.

In this regard, he urged residents to draw inspiration from successful individuals in their pursuit of a better quality of life, while underscoring education as a cornerstone in nurturing a competitive and capable generation.

At the same time, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi reminded the community to steer clear of envy, and instead channel the success of others into motivation for their own advancement.

He added that every individual possesses unique strengths and should be discerning in identifying their respective roles in contributing to community development.

He also expressed his appreciation to community leaders who play a key role in driving change and strengthening the development of the Penan community in the area.

Among those present were Bintulu Division Resident and President of the Sarawak Tipun Penan Development Association (PETIPUN) Datu Nyurak Keti, Penan Community Leader and PETIPUN Advisor Datuk Temenggung Hasan Sui and Sarawak Agriculture Department Director Dominic Chunggat.

Others present included Telang Usan District Officer Ezra Uda, Miri Division Iban community leader Temenggong Boniface Bada Unjah, Mareng Village Chief and Penan Festival Organising Committee Chairman Herman, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Collin Patan and Assistant Director of the Sarawak State Education Department (JPN) Dr Serina Keti. -UKASnews