Masing, Jaul visit longhouse to prepare for Queen’s visit
KAPIT: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing and State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion recently visited Rumah Gare Timbang at Sungai Kain, Baleh.
Rumah Gare is located 52km from town and getting to the 30-door longhouse entails travelling on a 30km tar-sealed road from here to Mujong bridge, and another 22km journey along a logging road across the hilly and treacherous terrain on board a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle for two hours or more – depending on the weather and road conditions.
At the longhouse Masing, who is Baleh assemblyman, informed all that the purpose of their visit was to make preparations for the visit by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, tentatively on the second week of June this year.
He said the visit would be the first made by a Raja Permaisuri Agong to an Iban longhouse.
During the visit, Tunku Azizah would meet the ‘ pua kumbu’ weavers from Rumah Gare and look at the rearing of the Empurau fish there.
Meanwhile, Masing later announced a project to improve the 22km logging road and another 5km road leading to the nearby Rumah Ensong and Rumah Layang.
Among those present during Masing’s visit were Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, political secretary to chief minister Nicholas Kudi Jantai, Kapit Resident Nyurak Keti and his deputy Galong Luang, Kapit District Officer Cerisologo Sabut and Bukit Mabong District Officer Douglas Pungga.