This celebration is to mark the end of harvesting season, is very rich in cultural influences. Organized by the local community, the festival was first introduced in 2009 with aim of showcasing the colorful culture and tradition of the Bidayuh community. Since then, the festival has attracted scores of visitors and in turn, it has helped to boost the local tourism activities in the area. For more information, please call: Jagoi Development and Heritage Committee Mr. Robert Tel: 012-8867763 @##@Jagoi Development and Heritage Committee@##@Bung jagoi@##@2014-07-19@##@2014-07-19

SIBU: The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) is on the lookout for any sale of fake infant formula though there has been no complaint of such product being sold in Sarawak. According to KPDNKK Sarawak chief enforcement officer Abdul Hafiz Abdul Rahim, the steps taken include checking on premises dealing with infant milk powder. He disclosed this to The Borneo Post when asked if there were any cases of baby milk powder suspected to be fake being sold in the state. “So far, Sarawak is still okay (no circulation of such product). Not available yet. So far, we have yet to receive any complaint from any quarters on the suspected fake product. “Nevertheless, we are still monitoring closely and inspecting each premises selling infant formula (in the state) to ensure that they obtain their supply from valid and trusted sources,” Abdul Hafiz said. He further said that to gather information on suspected fake infant formula would require the manufacturer to work closely with the ministry – to determine if the product is authentic or fake. Meanwhile, according to Bernama, the Johor Domestic Trade and Consumerism Ministry recently seized 210 boxes of products suspected to be fake baby milk powder worth about RM42,000. Johor director Khairul Anwar Bachok reportedly said the items were confiscated from drug stores and convenience stores in five different locations in Johor Baru.This followed a report regarding a baby who suffered severe vomiting after taking an infant formula which was later found to be fake by the producer. ,” Khairul Anwar was quoted as telling reporters at the KPDNKK store in Senai last week. Separately, on Wednesday, a national English daily quoted Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin as saying that the Chemistry Department had received samples of the fake baby formula for analysis. Hamzah was further quoted as saying that they would wait for the analysis results so that they would know the actual content of the product before taking any action. He also reportedly said they would discuss the matter further with the Health Ministry since it is the authority that gives the approval for any baby formula to be sold in the market.

Mawan (seated left) and guests during a ‘miring’ ceremony. SARATOK: The state government’s transformation plan is focused on the needs of rural folk. Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan said a field that was taken seriously by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government was agriculture, which would be developed into a high-scale level and geared towards an industrial concept. “The government has seen how this field has a wide scope and the potential to be developed. Therefore, the government has decided to allocate a large allocation for this field. It will channel the allocation to those in the agriculture sector. “At the same time, it is also the government’s strategy to change the way agriculture is practised by the rural folk so they can progress further,” he said at the Commercial Agriculture and Modernisation Seminar at Rumah Masing in Mudong here on Saturday. Around 150 Rubber Scheme Project participants from Mudong area attended the seminar, organised by Betong Agriculture Department. Mawan, who is also Saratok MP, said the programme was a great opportunity for participants and communities involved in the agriculture field to increase their knowledge so as to realise the government’s mission in intensifying the ‘Good Agricultural Practices’ concept in the agriculture sector. “We are confident that when this project is successful, we can help the rural folk out of poverty in stages. “Through this quantum leap of socio-economy, we are also confident that it will bring forth more impacts in terms of education advancement, infrastructure development and so on.” At the ceremony, Mawan also launched the Rural Electric Supply project for Mudung area worth RM3.5 million. He also announced a grant of RM30,000 to Rumah Masing village security and development committee.  

@##@Padawan Municipal Council@##@Kampung Telaga Air Waterfront Jetty@##@2019-11-22@##@2019-11-24

Minister in the Chief Minister's Department (Integriti and Ombudsman)

  Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi SIBU: Rural schools near the power grid will be given priority electricity connection, according to Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi. He said he had met with Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong recently, and they would identify the actual number of schools to be given priority for power connection. “The Education Department has its own list, but we have our own list under our Sares (Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme) team,” he said, adding that both parties would work on the matter together. Dr Abdul Rahman added that schools near the grid deserve the most to be upgraded because some of the grids are just outside the school compound. The Pantai Damai assemblyman said this when met while accompanying Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg for a Hari Raya Aidilfitri visit to Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce here last Saturday. Asked on the allocation for such implementation efforts, he said that this was yet to be known as the relevant authorities have yet to discuss the matter. However, he pointed out that once this is implemented, these schools will be able to enjoy 24-hour electricity supply.

April 3, 2020 - April 5, 2020 An annual rafting competition held along the Rejang River.  A challenging race that takes competitors through swift rivers and whirlpools. Baleh-Kapit raft Safari is a two-day rafting contest organized by the Tourism Task Group of Kapit.  It has been a much anticipated event in the area since its inaugural event in 1996. This competition has five main categories: Men’s Bamboo Open, Men’s Bamboo Closed (Inter-Department) and Women’s Bamboo Open, as well as the mixed Free Style and Paddle Boat. The first flag-off point is at Rumah Ansi, Nanga Sepajie at Sungai Majau, and the second flag-off point is at Rumah Along at Nanga Majau, and each flag-off is estimated to take six to seven hours respectively. This event is to remind people of the importance of water transport in the past of Sarawak as well as the present, particularly in places where road networks have not yet reached. @##@Tourism Task Group (TTG) Kapit & Kapit Residen Office@##@Kapit Town Kapit, Sarawak Malaysia@##@2020-04-03@##@2020-04-05

Hilmi (centre) handing the brochure to shop owners as MBKS staff (on the right) look on. KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) deputy mayor Hilmi Othman is of the opinion that the current two-mayor system in Kuching is functioning very well and does not necessitate change. Stating that the call for Kuching to have one mayor has been going on for years, he pointed out that the current two-mayor system had served its purpose well. “The one-mayor issue has been going on for years since Kuching City was formed by the state government and having two mayors all this while, the two mayors have functioned very well and the system has been well served, so why change the system that has been well served?” he told reporters yesterday. Kuching was granted city status on Aug 1, 1988. Besides MBKS, it encompasses Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and Kuching City North Hall (DBKU). Hilmi had earlier inspected food shop toilets at Tabuan Tranquility Commercial Centre with other MBKS staff. The issue of Kuching to have one mayor was raised during the recent two-day ‘City of Unity’ workshop, during which 1Malaysia Foundation chairman Dr Chandra Muzaffar said several groups had suggested having one Kuching City mayor. Kuching North Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahab Abang Julai was quoted to have agreed with the idea. Hilmi pointed out that there was no justification for Kuching at the moment to have one mayor, saying that the issue is “very sensitive” which has to be looked into by the state government. “Things have been going on well with the system (two mayors)…and personally, I don’t know the reason (for having one mayor),” he asserted. At the function, Hilmi distributed brochures on how to keep the toilet clean.

KUCHING: The Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda) is the best platform to develop some four million hectares (ha) of land in the upper Rajang basin. Urda chairman Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing said stretching from Kanowit to Song, Kapit and Belaga, Urda’s land area is equivalent in size to the states of Pahang and Terengganu combined. “We have to plan what’s best to develop the entire region. The setting up of Urda itself is an acknowledgement by the state government that this is the right time to develop upper Rajang River basin after  its vast resources in timber has been harvested and we are left with polluted rivers,” Masing told The Borneo Post recently. He said Urda would put in place basic infrastructure and amenities such as roads, electricity and water over the next 10 years. “All the eight (state) elected representatives and three members of parliament must be able to capitalise on the opportunity given to us to develop our area. “The ball is now in our court. So if we fail, we can’t blame others anymore,” he said. Masing said the completion of the Baleh hydroelectric plant (HEP) would further spur development in the area. “Now we already have two mega HEP Dams – Bakun and Murum. And with the completion of Baleh HEP Dam in 2025, Urda will be producing 5,400MW. That will be producing enough power to fire up our heavy industry under the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE). “So with that immense power supply, Urda will expect the money which is earned from its power to be channelled back to develop the area,” he said. On the Baleh HEP, Masing said Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) would recruit about 500 locals to be part of the workforce in the construction of the dam, which will start soon. “This is how we want the local people to benefit from this mega project. And we are very thankful to SEB for ensuring that the locals will not be left out of job opportunities,” he said, adding that at the peak of its construction, some 3,500 workers would be needed.

Miri Planters Association chairman Jong Tze Khiun (third right) presents a memento to Uggah during the event.     MIRI: The northern region of Sarawak, particularly Miri Division, is capable of being the leader in modernised community-based agriculture, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah. He said following his recent visit to several highland farm sites in Thailand, he believes the agricultural concept there could be used in Miri owing to the many suitable locations and fertile highlands, such as those in Baram. “I have just got back from Thailand where I managed to see how the people (there) have been working together in their highlands using community-based enterprise. I hope Miri can become a model for business enterprise which we had proposed to spearhead the development of agriculture. “This effort is possible, as Miri has many successful agropreneurs who can be examples to those who want to engage in agriculture,” said Uggah at the Miri Division Planters Association’s Eastern Union Agriculture Development Cooperative Chinese New Year Gathering here yesterday. Earlier, Uggah who is also Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development attended a meeting with members of the association and cooperative. He commended their efforts in responding to the call of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to use digital technology to boost the agricultural sector by 2030. “Realising the potential of Sarawak, especially Miri, the Chief Minister has set up a target. The job is not easy as we have been in the  agriculture sector where so  far, most of our programmes have been for our own consumption, not so much for export. “Hence we want to find a new and best approach to develop the agriculture sector so that it is more dynamic and competitive.” In the meeting, Uggah was also briefed by Eastern Union Agriculture Development Cooperative on the MD2 pineapple cultivation plan here. Among the matters discussed in the initial plan was to identify a 100-acre site for the start-up. At the event, Uggah announced an allocation of RM50,000 to the cooperative, while Assistant Minister of Local Government  Datu Dr Penguang Manggil allocated RM20,000; Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, RM20,000; Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, RM10,000; and Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, RM10,000. Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin and his special assistant Erick Chin, Miri Resident Sherrina Hussaini and Miri mayor Adam Yii were among those present at the luncheon.

Datuk Gerawat Gala  KUCHING: The intent and effect of the amendment on the Sarawak Land Code as explained by the Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas is to give legal recognition to Pemakai Menoa and Pulau Galau (PMPG) or Native Territorial Domain (NTD) as termed in the amendment. Prior to the amendment, the Federal Court ruled that PMPG has no legal force and that the use and occupation of land as PMPG under Iban custom does not give the claimants any right to the land, said Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president. In other words, the Federal Court ruled that PMPG is not NCR land, he explained. Even the right to use the land as PMPG (otherwise known as usufructuary right) was not recognised by the court as the custom relating to PMPG had no force of law according to the court’s decision, he elaborated. Gerawat, a lawyer by training, reminded people that the Sarawak  government could have chosen not to amend the Land Code and abide by the decision of the court which is perfectly legitimate but that would have meant that the native community can only have their NCR land but not their PMPG otherwise described as NTD in the amendment. He was referring to the Iban Temuda area (occupied land) when mentioning NCR land. “As a responsible government that recognises and understands the predicament faced by the native community arising from the court decision, Sarawak government leaders took steps to amend the law so as to give legal recognition and effect to PMPG otherwise known as NTD,” he said. Section 6A of the amendment clearly states that NTD is now given legal recognition as a proprietary right, which the community can use and own. The amendment provides for issue of document of title in perpetuity over the NTD to the community and such title is as good and as valid as any title issued under Section 18 of the Land Code. The amendment has given full legal recognition and protection over NTD to the native community via the issue of title to the NTD. It is not just limited to usufructuary right as alleged by some NGOs. The reference to usufructuary right in Section 6A is merely the process to establish NTD, explained Gerawat. “The community must have used the area for foraging and gathering which is usufructuary right over the land or the PMPG for the same to be recognised as NTD. Surely the native community has every reason to be grateful for the amendment as it has given them a right to use and own land (NTD) which they did not have prior to the amendment,” he said. The NTD land is different from NCR land which has always been recognised and provided for in Section 5 of the Land Code, he added. The NCR land is land cleared and cultivated before 1957 whereas NTD land is jungle land (as provided in the amended Section 6A of the Land Code) that has not been cleared or planted but located immediately next to or conjoining NCR land and used by the natives for foraging before 1957 or since then reserved for such purpose. NTD land is additional land area over and on top of NCR land as provided by the Sarawak Land Code. Any allegation that the amendment has taken away NCR land or in any other manner affected NCR land is clearly without legal basis, he added. Gerawat noted that the challenge to Uggah for a public debate to be aired live over TV1 is inappropriate and will not solve anything, and also it may even aggravate inter- and intra-community sentiments on the issue. Engaging in a debate would suggest a party having to win over the other, which is a very confrontational approach, he reasoned. “My suggestion to any NGO or organisation that wish to hold forums or engagement sessions relating to the amendment is to invite and include speakers from the Attorney General’s Chambers or from Majlis Adat Istiadat as they are the parties who were involved in drafting the amendment and are in position to explain and clarify the amendment ” he said. On Sept 19 Uggah came out in the newspaper expressing his surprise that the organisers of the PKD 2018 were still ignorant of the mechanisms of the new law on NCR land. The following day organisers of the just concluded Dayak National Conference (PKD 2018), Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) and Dayak National Congress (DNC) issued a joint statement expressing their disappointment by asking Uggah to engage in a public debate live on television over the matter. Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau then came forward urging all Dayak communities to support Uggah as he was one of those instrumental in initiating the amendment to the Sarawak Land Code otherwise the PMPG would not be given force of law like previously.

Attention to all parents, If you’re looking for fun things for your kids to do, this is the place to be! Keep your kids busy this school holidays with these great kids activities at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak.It is open to children aged 4 to 12 years old. Entrance is FREE!To register or for further information, contact Ong Soon Foong at 082-442000 ext 342 or email ongsf@sarawak.gov.my. @##@Pustaka Negeri Sarawak@##@Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Kuching@##@2017-05-29@##@2017-06-11

  The damaged and dust-covered Jalan Hill Top Utama presents a sorry sight.       MIRI: Residents of Hill Top Garden want their developer and Miri City Council (MCC) to come up with a permanent solution to the damaged and dusty condition of Jalan Hill Top Utama as the current situation has taken a toll on their health. A resident, wishing only to be identified as Sim, said even though the damaged road leading to the residential area was repaired last month, it has now ‘reverted’ to its previous condition due to the dozens of heavy trucks passing by on working days heading to a nearby construction site. “About four months ago in April, we made an official complaint to the developer and even had reporters come here to take photos and publish the news. “Though it took them (developer) sometime to agree to repair the road, they managed to do it last month. But to our disappointment, the resurfaced road did not last long and it is now worse because of the dust,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday. Sim reiterated that the road – less than 100 metres long – can only withstand five tonnes of vehicle weight, meaning it is only for the use of small and medium-sized vehicles. “The residents have noted that there is a specially-built road leading into the construction site for the trucks, but it seems the drivers are not using it. “Instead, these usually overloaded trucks use the road in our residential area because it is more convenient for them. The drivers are also prone to driving at speed and also talk on their mobile phones,” he claimed. Sim further claimed that he has witnessed workers digging up good sections of the road using mini excavators, but not patching or resurfacing it back. “Because of the dusty road condition, we can no longer open our doors and windows nor are we able to dry our clothes outside because if we do, everything will be affected by the dust,” he said. On behalf of the residents, he implored both MCC and the developer to rectify the situation before their health is further affected. When contacted over the matter yesterday, a representative from MCC’s engineering section assured that the council will investigate the issue and take necessary action so that the situation will not persist.

Uggah speaking to reporters today. KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has advised individuals who are bitten by the dog to get vaccinated at government hospitals at once. He regretted that the latest human rabies victim was only treated at a private clinic where the doctor failed to refer the said victim to a government hospital. “If a person is bitten by the dog, the person has to report to the rabies centre in Kuching where the vaccine will be given to the victim. “In this particular case (the latest victim), it was not done and it is very unfortunate. The doctor who treated him (the victim) did not advise him to report himself to the rabies centre in Kuching,” he told reporters after flagging off the Malaysia Palm Oil Industry’s Centennial Run within the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) compound here today. Uggah, who is Sarawak Disaster Management Committee chairman, said they had advised the people to wash the wound immediately after they were bitten by the dog. “Clean it immediately and go to see the doctor. I think it is now better for them to go to public hospitals. “At (government) hospitals, we have clearer SOP (standard of procedures). This is what we want to emphasise to the public. The most important thing is to get immediate vaccination once you’re bitten by the dog,” added Uggah. Sarawak’s latest human rabies victim is a 59-year-old man from Jalan Batu Kawa-Matang. He is the seventh victim following the case last August that involved a boy, aged seven, from Kpg Kuala, Gedong.

KUCHING: Today (June 12) is set to be another historic day for Sarawak as the state Barisan Nasional (BN) components will meet to decide if they should disassociate themselves from the BN coalition. The Sarawak BN lynchpin Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) has hinted that it would leave the BN fold that it had depended upon for political strength all this while as it gears towards the next Sarawak election (or SE2021). The Sarawak election may be called latest by the first quarter of 2021 and PBB under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Open believes that it should not waste any more time to start campaigning for SE2021 after the Sarawak BN’s worst-ever performance in the last parliamentary election on May 9 – losing 12 of 31 seats contested. Today, Abang Johari, who is Sarawak BN chairman, will be getting the approval of PBB executive members and those from other components Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) as well as the so-called BN-friendly United People’s Party (UPP) either to leave BN or remain true to its cause and struggle as the opposition at federal level. Rumour has it that the Sarawak BN has come up with a new name for the new state alliance if leaving BN is confirmed today. But the new name – Gagasan Parti Sarawak – would be academic if the Sarawak BN is not making any move to leave BN. SUPP and PRS have already made it known that they would want to leave BN and UPP maintained that it was always outside the fold or will carry on with its independent status.

Every year since 1988, Kuchingnites will hold a special celebration on August 1, the date when Kuching attained its city status. This year this celebration will be grand as it marks the 26th anniversary of Kuching City. For more information, please call: Kuching North City Hall Tel: 082-446688 Fax: 082-446414 @##@Kuching North City Hall@##@Kuching North City Hall@##@2014-08-01@##@2014-08-01

Jamit (left) and his entourage listen to a briefing on the workings of the commercial deer farm.   KAPIT: Land around Jalan Ulu Yong and the Sungai Yong basin on the outskirts of Kapit are ideal to be developed into an agricultural hub, said Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat. During a visit to a deer farm here recently, Jamit said there is great potential to develop the area for commercial livestock breeding and the proposed Dabai Park. “This area can be the agricultural basket for Kapit – fish, livestock breeding, fruit and padi cultivation. I propose the Tagang System along Sungai Tiasa to breed indigenous fish like ikan semah, ikan padi, ikan mengalang, because the river is ideal for the river livestock conservation scheme. “In fact, some of the good quality indigenous fruits like dabai and durian come from the Yong area. I have visited the various locations and longhouse communities, who are farmers working on their land. They have the land, but they need assistance to open up land for commercial agriculture,” he said. Jamit said he proposed the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development as well as Agriculture Department set up the proposed Dabai Park along Jalan Ulu Yong. “Land here along Jalan Ulu Yong is suitable for commercial farming because of its gentle physical terrain. It’s already proven this area is suitable for livestock farming. The success story of former Tuai Rumah Lulut, who owns the deer farm here, has proven it could be managed on a commercial scale. “Then the low-lying flat land is suitable for wet padi cultivation; on the gentle slope to plant indigenous fruits like durian, dabai, mata kucing, rambutan, citrus fruit, etc. The road links to all longhouses, so farmers can market their farm produce at the Kapit market to complement their income,” he said. Jamit added once these projects are up and running, they could become eco-tourism destinations. “We will involve several longhouses like Rumah Rolland Banggau along Sungai Tiasa as friendly homestay destination where adventurous tourists can enjoy the scenery, nature, and a spot of fishing, jungle trekking, etc. My intention is to uplift their standard of living,” he added.

Ministry of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development

Ahmad Shabery (second right), together with (from right) Entri, Mong and Nogeh looking at samples of fruits on display during the ministry’s ‘Customer’s Day’. KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry is emphasising the need to maintain a close-knit relation with the farming community towards spurring the sector’s growth. Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said it was vital for his ministry to uphold a strong working relationship with farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen as well as agro-preneurs to ensure that the nation would have sufficient raw food sources. “We regard such relation as a two-way street because we need each other. The ministry will provide various services, incentives and advice with regard to agriculture, livestock farming and fishing as well as agro-based industry. “In return, we want these entrepreneurs to give back exceptional returns and become among the main contributors to the national gross income,” he said after officiating at the ministry’s ‘Customer’s Day 2015 – Sarawak Zone’ at Summer Mall here yesterday. Ahmad Shabery was accompanied by his deputy Anthony Nogeh Gumbek to the event, where state assistant ministers Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran (Agriculture–Farmer’s Organisation) and Datuk Mong Dagang (Agriculture–Research and Marketing), as well as Samarahan Walikota Datuk Peter Minos were also present. Ahmad Shabery added that his ministry truly understood the condition and challenges faced by the farming community. As such, he said ‘Customer’s Day’ such as this one was a crucial outreach programme for this target group. “We use this programme to listen to suggestions and ideas, whilst looking into the complaints and problems faced by the agriculture community. “From here, we will be able to build new frameworks and policies in meeting the needs of the people.” The minister said during such programmes, the community would be able to meet representatives from agencies such as the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), Malaysia Fisheries Development Board (LKIM), Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) and even financial institutions such as Agrobank and National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional). Apart from this, he pointed out that the ministry’s ‘Customer’s Day’ would also showcased various local products for sale. Meanwhile, Ahmad Shabery advised all agencies and departments under the purview of his ministry to always go to the ground and meet up with their target group. This, he said, would ensure that the well-being and welfare of members of this community would be taken care of and at the same time, ensure all government outreach programmes were being implemented effectively. “It is our hope that all agriculture development projects would only be implemented after we listen to suggestions and issues brought up by the agriculture community, as well as local community leaders and non-governmental organisations that are involved in helping the people. “It is very important for us to understand the people’s needs. Without the support of our target group, projects would not be successful.” Other participating agencies at yesterday’s event included the state Agriculture Department, state Fisheries Department, Malaysia Pineapple Industry Board, National Farmers Organisaton (Nafas) and National Fishermen Association (Nekmat).  

Entulu (centre) receives a memento from Penghulu Thomas. SIBU: The National Transformation Plan 2050 (TN50) is a government effort to benefit everyone, including those in rural areas, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun. In this regard, he encouraged rural folk to think positive and accept the fact that they need to change in order not to be left behind. He said the government also encourages young Malaysians to share their views on the type of country they want to see by 2050. “We want children in rural areas to have a more secure future,” he said after officiating at the ‘Penghayatan 1Malaysia’ (SEPAKAT) programme held at Rumah Watson Lasu, Sungai Pelugau here recently. Entulu, who is Selangau MP, also advised the people, particularly in rural areas, to use all government grants for long-term benefits. “I’m recommending all of you find opportunities that can generate more incomes for your communities, like through agriculture,” he said. At the function, Entulu announced a grant of RM17,000 to the Women’s Bureau of Rumah Watson Lasu security and development committee (JKKK), and RM5,000 each to the 1Malaysia Community (K1M) of Sekuau Scheme, K1M Selangau and K1M Sungai Pelugau. He also handed over Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants to JKKK Rumah Sujang, JKKK Nanga Maing, JKKK Luak and JKKK Rumah Ado.