MP hails longhouse chiefs as ‘great influencers’ for rural folk

KUCHING: Longhouse chiefs associations play a pivotal role in supporting the government when it comes to developing the state.

In stating this, Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat hailed such associations as ‘great influencers’ for the rural folks, encouraging them to accept the development plans and programmes outlined by the government.

As such, he advised the longhouse chiefs to always strive to be in the know of such plans and programmes slated for their respective areas, and also to be able to identify opportunities that the youths in their communities could capitalise on, such as modern farming.

“In the case of the Spaoh SubDistrict, it is part of the Bukit Sadok Agropolitan and the Betong-Mukah Food Basket development areas.

“In Spaoh too, we are going to have an airstrip (short take-off and landing facility) at Bebuling, which is being built now. This is to transport our farm products to the market. We must justify this RM108-million project by having the quantity and the quality.

“The agriculture plan and programmes are also meant to help them (local communities) generate a stable income in order to raise their standard of living,” he said during a ‘Pre-Gawai 2022’ gathering held in Spaoh last Saturday night, where he represented Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Hosted by the Spaoh Tuai Rumah (longhouse chief) Association under the leadership of TR Joseph Suat Andrew Mara, the event was attended by villagers from 41 longhouses.

On a separate matter, Chuat thanked the voters in Betong Division for their strong support of the GPS candidates fielded in Bukit Saban, Layar and Saribas during the 12th state election last December.

“Now we have Datuk Amar (Uggah) of Bukit Saban reappointed as the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, and assemblymen Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu (Layar) and Mohammad Razi Sitam (Saribas) appointed as deputy ministers.

“This is unprecedented, but is also something that we should be proud of.”

Chuat and his wife Datin Claudia Regina Janting were accompanied to the event by political secretary to Premier of Sarawak, Dr Richard Rapu, Bintulu Resident Datu Jack Aman and community leader Temenggong Richard Mulok.