SPB committed to helping surrounding communities

MUKAH: Sarawak Plantation Berhad (SPB) is committed to helping and upgrading the lives of the communities around its plantations.

Sarawak Plantation Agriculture Development (SPAD) Board of Directors member, Philip Matau said SPB had helped the communities by donating through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

“Four longhouses and six schools in the plantation area received donations during the programme.

“This is a sign of our appreciation for the cooperation given, thus helping to upgrade the lives of the people in the surrounding areas,” he said.

He said this when met by the media at the SPB Central Region Bidai Gawai Dayak event at the Kingwood Resort here, yesterday.

Philip (centre) with others at the cake cutting event.

Philip presents a mock cheque to the recipient of a donation.

Philip explained that the total contribution for the longhouses was RM180,000 and the school donations amounted to RM30,000.

“This is not a new thing because since 2018, the new management of SPAD has contributed a lot to the local communities, such as providing four longhouse sites that previously did not exist.

“In addition, providing a clinic site in the middle of the plantation area makes it easier for people to receive treatments.

“Next, we will prepare a place for a water filter plant which will enable the longhouse folk to get clean water.

“Not only that, we’ve also asked Sarawak Energy Berhad to connect electricity to every longhouse in the plantation area to make it easier for the residents here,” he explained.

Philip revealed as many as 82 longhouses in the SPB plantation area and almost 100 per cent of them cooperated with the company.

Earlier, in his speech, he called on all communities to continue working together and respecting each other even though they came from different races and had different religions.

He added, “We in Sarawak celebrate all the festivals available and this is the best way to strengthen unity with each other.”

“This coincides with the concept of ‘Segulai Sejalai’ which is often emphasised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.”

Also present were Mukah Division Resident Kueh Lei Poh and acting Mukah District Officer Peleadzman Ahip.