State-level committee to be set up to drive Penan development, says S’wak Premier

MIRI (Sept 18): A state-level committee will be established to find ways and develop policies aimed at helping the Penan community in Sarawak, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“A committee will be set up, along with the people’s representatives, to explore ways and develop policies to assist the Penan, as per their request,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters at a press conference after receiving a memorandum and the Penan’s development resolutions from community leaders led by Pemanca Hennesser Uning Bong at the Miri Airport here today.

Among the requests listed in the memorandum were calls for the state government to strengthen and accelerate economic development efforts for the Penan and increase their representation in the civil service.

The memorandum also expressed the Penan community’s support for Abang Johari’s leadership and the state government’s development plans for Penan villages.

Abang Johari assured the community that the state government under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) maintains an inclusive approach towards all ethnic groups in the state, including the Penans.

“Earlier today, we were in Kuala Baram for the earth-breaking ceremony of the proposed dredging and associated works project at the Batang Baram Delta, which will create job opportunities, especially for communities in the northern region.

“Secondly, we are building roads in Baram. The Marudi bridge, crossing the Baram River, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

“The road we are constructing from Marudi to Long Terawan will significantly impact the communities in these areas, including the Penan,” he said.

Also present at the press conference were deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Transport Minister Dato’ Sri Lee Kim Shin; Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala; Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Penguang Manggil; Baram MP Datuk Anyi Ngau; and Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau.