DEBAK: Five longhouses in the Bukit Saban constituency received various allocations announced by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the Ngabang Gawai programme held in the area on Wednesday.

The second day of his Gawai Dayak visits included Rumah Panjang Bangkit Rembai Baru, Rumah Panjang Suri Tengah, Rumah Panjang Menyalin Baru, Rumah Panjang Babu Kerangan and Rumah Panjang Inar.

During the visits, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, who is also the Bukit Saban Assemblyman, announced an allocation of RM10,000 to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of each longhouse visited. In addition, the Women’s Bureau of each longhouse received RM5,000 in recognition of their role as hosts of the Ngabang Gawai programme.

He also approved assistance under the Sarawak Poor Home Improvement Programme (PPRMS) amounting to RM5,000 for each family at Rumah Panjang Bangkit Rembai Baru and Rumah Panjang Suri Tengah to carry out house repair works.

For Rumah Panjang Suri Tengah, an additional allocation of RM20,000 was approved to undertake drainage maintenance works aimed at improving residents’ comfort and living conditions.

Meanwhile, residents of Rumah Panjang Menyalin Baru received funding of RM5,000 for every 25 families for house repair works through an initiative by the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA).

At Rumah Panjang Babu Kerangan, he also approved an allocation of RM50,000 for the construction of a Women’s Bureau store, which will serve as a storage facility for community equipment and supplies.

In his speech, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with Betong Member of Parliament Dato Dr Richard Rapu to ensure that development and the welfare of the people in Bukit Saban continue to receive due attention.

According to him, the Sarawak Government remains committed to exploring various approaches to improve the socio-economic well-being of the people, including through the agriculture and livestock sectors, which have the potential to generate income for rural communities.

He also encouraged local residents to take advantage of the economic opportunities provided by the government while continuing to support development initiatives implemented in the area.

At the same time, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah expressed hope that the younger generation would continue to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Iban community, which forms an important part of their identity and pride.

He also commended the youth in Bukit Saban for continuing to actively practise traditional arts such as the Ngajat dance despite the challenges posed by modernisation and technological advancement.

Earlier, he and his wife, Datin Amar Dato Doreen Mayang, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Roseline Mapong, and PBB Women’s Wing Chief for N.37 Bukit Saban Natasha Nasa Uggah officiated the Ngiling Bidai ceremony at Rumah Panjang Babu Kerangan. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng