MIRI: The folk of Long Atip were praised for having organised a communal work party to clean up their entire longhouse to create an environment that is healthier in preparation for the coming Christmas.
“This is not easy for many of you who had to return here from Miri and other places, spending time and money to take part in this noble activity,” said Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
He suggested that the activity and the attitude of those involved in the work party were excellent examples for other Telang Usan folk to emulate.
“By taking part in this work party, you have walked the talk,” he said.
The work party was organised by Persatuan Penduduk Long Atip (Miri) in collaboration with Kalpung Long Atip’s Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and Saberkas Long Atip.
Dennis added that when the previous government (Barisan Nasional) approved the establishment of the association it was to enable the members to work closely with their longhouse leaders and committees, which they have been doing since 2017.
“But sadly, there are associations such as this being used to oppose their village leaders and committees, thus polarising their folk.
“So, please look at and learn from what Persatuan Penduduk Long Atip (Miri) has been doing,” Dennis said at the launch of the work party last weekend.
He explained that the objective of such a work party went far beyond cutting grass, tending to flowers and decorative plants, cleaning and clearing drains, and collecting and disposing of rubbish.
“Whether you realise it or not, you are keeping the Orang Ulu traditional communal spirit practised by our forefathers since time immemorial. Without this spirit coupled with respecting our village headmen and committees, we would not be where and what we are today,” he said.
“While the government provides us basic facilities and amenities such 24-hour electricity and agricultural projects, it is up to us to make our life better and better.”
Also present at the launch of the work party, where Dennis handed over RM2,000 from his minor rural project(MRP) fund, were community leader Wilson Anyie and Saberkas Long Atip Unit chairman Federick Uyo.
