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Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sikie: Use safety-conscious, uniform approach for longhouse construction
Sikie joins residents in a traditional ritual during the Mangkung Tiang ceremony at Rumah Rawing Manja, Ulu Mejau. – Ukas photo TATAU (July 28): The construction of longhouses, which are a symbol of unity and resilience among rural communities, must use a more uniform and safety-conscious approach, said Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai. The Minister in the Premier's Department said this when officiating at the Mangkung Tiang (foundation pole) ceremony for Rumah Rawing Manja in Ulu Mejau on Saturday. 'Uniformity in the ruai enhances the aesthetic appeal of longhouses while symbolising unity and cooperation among residents,' he said. He stressed the critical need for fire prevention and electrical safety, urging longhouse folk to install brick partition walls extending to the roof and to ensure all electrical wiring complies with Sarawak Energy Berhad standards. The Kakus assemblyman urged village security and development committees (JKKKs) and their security bureaus to take a more proactive role in addressing social issues, particularly drug abuse, which remains a concern in some rural areas. Sikie also outlined key development projects under the Mid Rajang Regional Development Agency (MiRRDA), reinforcing the government's commitment to transforming rural infrastructure. These include RM60 million to upgrade the road from Nanga Kelebu to Rumah Ado, Kakus; RM10 million for road upgrades to Ulu Mejau; and RM10 million for the road to Entajum. 'These projects are not just about connectivity, they are investments in the future of rural Sarawakians,' he said. Reaffirming Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), he said the state is on track to achieve an RM15,000 household income target by 2030. Among the flagship initiatives is the Free Tertiary Education Scheme at state-owned institutions, aimed at equipping Sarawakians for better-paying jobs. As part of his visit, Sikie also presented an RM18,000 Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant to the Rumah Rawing JKKK for local development efforts. The ceremony was attended by some 500 residents. John Sikie Tayai lead longhouse construction
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Strategic projects set to drive development in Selangau, assures assemblyman
Gira (third right) presents a cheque to one MRP fund recipient, as Sempurai (fourth left) and others look on. SELANGAU (July 14): Several strategic development projects are meant for implementation in Selangau. In giving this assurance, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira lists a mini sports complex, upgrading works on an access road to Selangau Bazaar, and the construction of stretches connecting Rumah Uban and Ulu Mukah as well as Nanga Selangau and Rumah Dinggai, as among those being planned for the district. 'These various new development initiatives will drive rural development,' he said in officiating at the 'Mangkung Tiang' (housewarming) in Rumah Lawang Umpon, Bukit Baru Sungai Melinau here last Saturday. Organised by the village development and security committee (JKKK) of Bukit Baru Sungai Melinau, the programme meant to revive the custom symbolising the beginning of life in a new longhouse, as well as the spirit of family, unity and the continuity of ancestral culture of the Iban community. Adding on, Gira also congratulated the residents of Rumah Lawang for their efforts in building a modern, organised and comfortable longhouse. He described the success as a positive sign of the economic growth of rural communities, and also an 'evidence' of the effectiveness of the state government's development policies under the ruling coalition, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). 'This longhouse is not only a symbol of culture, but also a symbol of shared success. 'We want to see longhouses not just as a physical heritage, but also as active and developed community centres.' Gira also stressed the importance of electrical safety in longhouses, calling for the existing wiring system be upgraded further. 'This measure is aimed at reducing the risk of overloading that can cause fires, in line with the increase in electricity consumption in today's longhouses,' he added. Later at the event, Gira presented Minor Rural Programme (MRP) allocations totalling RM369,000 to 25 recipients including longhouse JKKKs, local sports and youth associations, and educational institutions. The assemblyman also announced an additional special allocation of RM25,000 for Rumah Lawang in support of its community activities. Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai was among those present. christopher gira development projects lead Selangau
