Long Leng Penans praised for their initiatives

MIRI: The Penan community of Long Leng in Baram were praised for taking the initiative to improve the standard of their living.

Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau said this when he performed an earth- breaking ceremony for a new longhouse, Borneo Evangelical Mission ( BEM) church and a pastor’s house in Long Leng yesterday.

“This is one of the ways to move forward to improve the standard of living among the community. This goes to show that you don’t want to be left out and you want to move forward with other races.”

Earlier, Long Leng community leader Maister Lolee said they used their own funds to build the three structures while waiting for funds they requested from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during his last working visit to Baram.

Dennis also reminded the community not to entirely depend on the jungle and rivers for their livelihood and sources of income.

“One day, there will be fewer animals in the jungle or fish in the rivers. It is therefore important for you to think of alternatives to generate income for you and your families,” he added.

Dennis suggested that they visit the Agriculture Department office to talk with the officers on suitable crops to be planted in their areas, such as rubber and oil palm.

Temenggong Datuk Hasan Sui and acting Long Lama District Officer Ezra Uda were also present at the function.

Hasan, meanwhile, reminded his community to emphasise the importance of their children’s education.

Currently, there are 124 Penan graduates with diplomas or degrees which is a milestone for the community.

Saying that education was key to success, Hasan said there were all sorts of assistance available to enable parents to send their children even to high level of education.

“Don’t worry as there are education funds which have been set up under Petipun to ease the burden of Penan children to continue their study to the highest level,” he added.

Several Penans are now being trained at Teachers’ Training Institute Sarawak ( Miri campus) who will go on to teach Penan children upon graduation.