MARUDI: Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil yesterday paid a Christmas visit to Rumah John Mat (Rumah Penghulu Larek Mat).
Playing host was Penghulu Larek, the first Penan penghulu in Beluru district.
Penguang also met up with village chief John Mat, who was only recently appointed Ketua Kaum.
While there, the Marudi assemblyman officiated at the opening of Penan Tipun Festival for Central Tinjar Zone.
All of the Penan villages in the area – Rh John Mat, Rh Wen Magelit, Rh Magelery, Rh Aking Idoi, Rh Agnes Ngerega and Rh Warriors – participated in the annual festival.
He also took this opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas about issues affecting the Penan community here.
Penguang then handed over Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocation to JKKK Rh John Mat (RM15,000), Rh John Mat Women’s bureau (RM5,000), JKKK Rh Ebi Sawieng (RM10,000) and JKKK Sg Entulang (RM10,000).
He also announced the additional allocation of RM140, 000 under the 2020 Rural Transformation Project for Petipun multi-purpose hall at Rh Wen Magelit, on top of the RM200,000 allocation given in 2019.
“Congratulations to all involved in making this year’s festival a very special one.
“Thank you also to all the Penans here for their support and cooperation to the government over the years. This kind of spirit needs to be maintained and maintained,” said Penguang.
