KAPIT: Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi recently led a group of 10 media practitioners on an ‘exploration trip’ to his constituency.
Media representatives from Malaya, Sibu and Kuching spent four days in Kapit to gain a deeper understanding of the region in conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) which will be celebrated on May 29 in Sarawak.
“If you want to get to know Kapit, you have to come here and experience first-hand being among its diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural communities.
“Of course, four days and three nights are not enough to fully understand Kapit, which is as large as the state of Pahang, but I hope that our media colleagues from the Peninsula have gained some insights into the diversity and harmony of life among the people here,” he said in a Facebook post.
In addition to experiencing the pre-Gawai festivities and the uniqueness of Kapit town, Nanta said that the media delegation also visited the adopted Nanga Engkuah longhouse in Ulu Ketibas, Song, under Madani village adoption programme.
He said the six-hour journey by boat each way provided a new experience for the media representatives.
According to Nanta, the settlement is located 50 km from Song town and can only be accessed via waterways.
The area houses three longhouses, namely Rumah (Rh) Assan, Rh Radiah, and Rh Albert Lading, with a total population of around 650 people.
“Surely, there are many plans underway for implementation to improve the quality of life for the residents here.
“Through the village adoption programme, one of the focuses will be the construction of bridges to facilitate access via land routes as well as the installation of solar streetlights.
“Various socio-economic activities are also actively being carried out to improve the living standards of the residents here,” he said.
Nanta hoped the media engagement programme could provide exposure, especially for media outlets based in Malaya, to see and experience the development progress in the hinterland areas.
