Marudi rep remains committed to helping constituents despite scam attempts

MIRI (July 8): Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil remains committed to executing his duties as the assemblyman for Marudi, despite facing several scam attempts by certain quarters out to take advantage of the situation.

The Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government says as an elected representative, he understands that his responsibility is for his constituents.

“I have a list of beneficiaries including longhouses, JKKKs (village security and development committees), schools and NGOs (non-governmental organisations), and they are genuine fund applicants.

“If someone in my constituency passed away, regardless of religion, I would always be there to assist, providing help with funeral arrangements.

“So this one time, I got a call from an individual claiming that someone from Rumah Sarawak had died, and the villagers were short of RM2,000. Being a trained person (in giving assistance), I did some research.

“What I discovered was illogical, in that the person was from Kuching and calling from Rumah Sarawak in Kuala Lumpur asking for help.

“I even called Rumah Sarawak to check, and unsurprisingly, it was not a genuine case,” he said in his speech for the opening ceremony of the ‘Teacher’s Day, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak Appreciation Dinner’ at a hotel here Saturday.

Penguang said what happened to him could easily befall anyone and thus, he wanted to educate the public about ways to prevent one from falling victim to such scams, and also about seeking assistance through valid proper channels.

“Those who come to me every year, I know about the assistance that they need, and they know that I would do my best to help them.”

Later in his speech, Penguang commended SK St Columba Miri for holding such a significant event, where all the expenses were covered by its parent-teacher association (PTA).

“This is a celebration that involves everyone, and was achieved through the cooperation among the teachers, the PTA and the local community.

“Unity is the key towards achieving anything,” he added.