Rep calls for efforts to avert rural-urban exodus

MIRI: A state assemblyman has expressed concern over the declining population in rural areas in Limbang involving the Bisaya community.

“Many of our youngsters are leaving their villages, moving to the urban areas for better employment prospects and a better future,” said Batu Danau assemblyman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang.

Speaking at the Persatuan Bisaya Sarawak Miri branch annual dinner at a hotel here on Sunday, he said the situation has led to the absence of youngsters in the villages.

Hence, Paulus encouraged the Bisaya youths to explore new mechanism in agriculture to create employment opportunities in the sector.

This could help to reduce youth migration from rural to urban areas.

“Based on a census that was carried out several years ago, we have less than 6,000 Bisaya living in Limbang, and this is very worrying,” he told the crowd.

Also present was PSBM president Datu Antonio Kahti Galis. At the event, Paulus announced an allocation of RM5,000 to PSBM to finance its activities.