SIBU: Sibu Member of Parliament Oscar Ling Chai Yew’s Service Centre at Rejang Park on Monday (Nov 18) distributed grants to 51 Iban longhouses and one Iban church to support their upcoming Christmas and New Year 2025 celebration expenses.
Ling said that most members of the Iban community are Christians, and longhouses traditionally celebrate Christmas on a grand scale.
“These grants aim to provide sufficient funds for the longhouses to organise events and enrich their programmes. Christmas celebrations have become a distinctive cultural practice in the Dayak community, with the potential to become one of our tourism products,” he said.
Ling added that the longhouses receiving the grants are located within the Sibu parliamentary constituency, including rural areas such as Rassau, Tutus, Bungan, Sungai Sebedil, Pasai, Penasu, Bawang Assan, Rantau Panjang, Oya, Teku, and Sungai Banyok.
During the grant handover ceremony, Ling also advised the Iban community representatives collecting the cheques to reduce their consumption of sugary foods and drinks during celebrations.
He highlighted that 50 per cent of Malaysians are overweight and stressed that it is the government’s policy to encourage citizens to prioritise their health by exercising more and avoiding sugary and fried foods.
According to him, Malaysia spends up to RM4 billion annually on treating diabetes-related illnesses, which poses a significant national expense.
“By adopting healthier eating habits and exercising regularly, individuals can not only alleviate their family’s financial burden but also reduce the economic strain on the Ministry of Health,” Ling added.
