Tasik Biru rep: MRP funds not for merrymaking sessions

BAU: Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato Henry Harry Jinep is sticking to his decision of not giving away Minor Rural Project (MRP) funds for activities focusing on merrymaking sessions, which were once very popular in villages across the constituency.

He said he would rather see the funds being channelled to deserving individuals and organisations for them to improve and upgrade themselves, which would lead to healthy socioeconomic growth benefiting everyone in Tasik Biru.

“The MRP funds are the people’s money. I am only the custodian, and I give the money back to the people. The MRP funds are no longer given for ‘mejeng-mejeng’ (merrymaking) and partying; or buying new jerseys and the like – no more.

“I want to make sure the MRP funds are well spent on activities and matters that bring better and greater long-term benefits to the people. This in line with the government’s objective of rural economy transformation,” he said after the presentation of MRP funds at his service centre here yesterday, where a total RM124,000 was disbursed to 28 recipients, which included business capital contributions to eight individuals.

Henry said these aspiring entrepreneurs, who are members of Sarawak Single Mothers Association, were being aided and motivated to grow their business further.

The MRP funds were also meant to help in the running of a local cooperative, Koperasi Kemajuan Singai Bau Bhd; and a childcare centre, Taska Dirumah Simonjan.

“The amount given to them may not seem big but let them start with whatever they have first, and (then) grow their businesses. They can apply for the funds again if there’s a need for more,” he said.

Henry also advised the predominant ly- Chr i s t ian constituents in Tasik Biru to spend less on partying outside their homes; instead, they should observe the month of Lent by spending more time with their families and on prayers.

The MRP presentation yesterday was the second for this year, following the presentation of funds amounting to RM153,000 at SK Jagoi two weeks ago.

Manyin (second left) hands over the first prize to the lucky draw winner as Anthony (first left) and others look on.