MIRI: The Penans in Long Latei, Sungai Melanah have been told to give their undivided support to Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau who is capable of bringing them into mainstream development and be on par with other communities in the state.
Long Latei headman, Jangin Duwin, made the call last Saturday (Oct 3) during the Saberkas sport carnival held in the village.
He pointed out ever since Dennis was elected as Telang Usan assemblyman in 2011, lives of the people in the constituency had improved.
Jangin, a long serving Penan community leader, also described Dennis as very capable and approachable.
“He has been spending a lot of his time with his constituents to understand their needs.
“Since Dennis was elected in 2011, my village has enjoyed 24-hour electricity. We have been provided with water storage tanks, village roads, a futsal field, a good football field, financial aid for our church and Sunday school, women’s organisation, youth body and many other forms of assistance,” he said.
Jangin said the latest gift from Dennis was the setting up of a reading corner at the village Rural Service Centre (RSC) to provide reading materials to Penans not only from Long Latei but all the 19 Penan villages in the vicinity.
Dennis advised the Penans in his constituency to strengthen their unity and work closely with the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“There are many more things we need to do for Telang Usan, and this can only materialise if the constituency remains with the GPS government,” he said.
Long Latei is located more than four hours’ drive on four-wheel-drive vehicle from Miri City.
Ten Penan villages from Long Bangan, Long Kevok, Long Lilim, Long Liwek, Long Tepen, Long Tujang, Long Jenalong, Long Iman and Long Latie took part in the two-day sport carnival.
The football competition was won by Baripun Talun while PAPG and Kevuk B, came second and third respectively.
