KAPIT: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing has clarified that the recent announcement by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to revoke firearms licence only applied to rifles and not shotguns.
He explained that since the announcement, he had received numerous telephone calls expressing concern from folks, particularly longhouse residents, because their shotguns had been inherited from one generation to the other.
“The announcement is to revoke the rifle licence. Shotguns are not affected. I urge owners to look after your shotgun properly,” said Masing at a dinner hosted by Baleh PRS and Hulu Rajang Service Centre together with Bukit Mabong District Office, held at Kapit Civic Centre recently.
On the issue of wild boar meat trade in Kapit, Masing called on Sarawak Forest Cooperation (SFC) to be flexible.
He said SFC had a long list of protected animals, adding that “wild boar (from the jungle or nearby forest) is a source of protein for Ibans”.
“Although many Ibans now stay in town, when they return to their longhouses, they hunt for wild boars.
“In Kapit, many sell wild boar meat because that is their sole income. Their livelihood depends on it. I urged them, the sellers, to be sensitive when selling wild boar meat because we are living in a plural society consisting of many ethnicities and religions,” said Masing.
He also advised the community leaders and longhouse chiefs who attended the seminar on KPI earlier to apply what they had learnt.
“It is very important that the Tuai Rumah, when he is the chairman of JKKK, the secretary and treasurer must not come from the same family. Make sure it is transparent. Every year, I allocate funds to every longhouse JKKK in Baleh.
“Keep proper records and make sure to inform every member of the longhouse that the money has been banked in. The money is for specific purposes and the JKKK must meet and write the proposal and forward it to Bukit Mabong District Office for endorsement before the money is drawn. Do it properly to achieve the KPI as required,” Masing reminded.
