Jiwa Madani: Kapit longhouse folks learn more about govt policies

KAPIT (July 10): The Information Department (Japen) recently carried out the Jiwa Madani programme at Rumah Manok Manchal in Nanga Bawang, Ulu Sungai Yong near here, involving villagers from the surrounding longhouses.

The programme also engaged the local representatives of agencies under the federal Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW), namely the Community Development Department (Kemas), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and GiatMara.

According to Japen Kapit officer Mohd Said Keliling, the objective of the Jiwa Madani programme is to share with the local longhouse community the implementation of government policies and development agenda under the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and also under Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“It is also to highlight and discuss current issues, as well as to find ways to better address them. We thank Mara, GiatMara and Kemas for their involvement in this programme,” he said in a statement yesterday.

During the programme, GiatMara Kapit manager Budy Abang Bujang and his team also promoted to the longhouse villagers a short-term course on ‘Motorcycle Technology’ available at the institute.

“The course, ranging from three to six month in duration, is suitable for school-leavers who are interested in motorcycle repairs and maintenance.

“Of course, GiatMara has other courses as well, such as electrical and wiring, tailoring, pastry-making, beauty and make-up, as well as salon and hairdressing. All these are viable skills-based programmes and can be turned into income-generating activities,” he said.

The GiatMara Kapit Centre is located at the Jalan Padang Sukan-Jalan Airport junction here. Those interested can drop by during regular office hours.

Meanwhile, Kemas Kapit conducted a weaving course during the Jiwa Madani programme, where the 30 participants, all housewives, learned the steps in weaving baskets and handbags.

One of them, Carolyne Tegong, 34, regarded the programme as very beneficial.

“Our thanks to the organisers for holding this weaving course, as it teaches us the steps to produce woven products, which we can apply and make a good source of income.”

Echoing similar sentiments was Roseny Manok Manchal, 34, a kindergarten tutor.

“Those interested in handicrafts should take every opportunity to expand their knowledge. We are thankful to be a part of this workshop, because such skills-sharing sessions do not come by often.”

Rumah Manok Women bureau head Mary Manchal remarked: “We also welcome programmes like this, and we hope more would be conducted in the future. It helps develop the social-economy of the people in the longhouses, especially the womenfolk.

“Women are usually known to have great hands at making handicrafts, so with the added knowledge, they could turn it into a revenue-generating activity that helps augment the household income,” she said.