Form tuai rumah association to strengthen rural voice, says Selangau MP

Borneo Post

3 days ago

Tuai Rumah Balahin (right) presents an Iban sword, known as duku ilang, to Edwin after the officiating ceremony for the new longhouse.
SIBU (Aug 15): Longhouse chiefs, or 'tuai rumah', should form their own association to strengthen their collective voice in representing rural communities and addressing local issues more effectively, said Selangau MP Edwin Banta.
He said such a body would not only streamline the channelling of community concerns to the relevant authorities but also empower tuai rumah to coordinate action when public facilities are damaged or neglected.
'I often encourage tuai rumah to set up an association, not to burden them with extra work but to enhance their role in helping the people,' he said.
He made the remarks when officiating at the new site for Rumah Balahin Blaja Dickson in Pasai Siong Tengah recently, which was attended by some 30 tuai rumah from Pasai Siong and Selangau.
As an example, Edwin said that if a farm or plantation road is damaged, the association could press for immediate repairs from responsible parties instead of waiting for action from elected representatives or ministers.
He stressed that community leaders must take a proactive stance in holding companies or individuals accountable for any damage to public infrastructure.
'Who actually damages these roads—YBs or companies? This is something that needs to be addressed collectively and systematically through a legal body like the Tuai Rumah Association,' he said.
In addition to urging the formation of the association, Edwin called on longhouse chiefs to take a more proactive in official matters, such as submitting applications to relevant ministries and agencies for land surveys and securing legal land titles for their residents.
To broaden their knowledge and exposure, the MP has also organised educational trips for community leaders both within and beyond Sarawak.
'For instance, from Sept 19 to 21, 2024, I brought 40 tuai rumah to attend the 100th anniversary celebration of Rumah Samu in Betong.
'This was not just about eating and drinking, but also exchanging ideas and learning how to be better community leaders,' he said.
He suggested that the proposed Tuai Rumah Association could also plan its own educational visits as part of its leadership capacity-building efforts.
At the same event, Edwin presented RM24,000 as an initial grant for the construction of the new Rumah Balahin – a move aimed at improving rural community infrastructure. association Edwin Banta lead tuai rumah