MURUM: The Batu Tungun blessing ceremony could become an annual tourism event in the future.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs and Special Duties), Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, has proposed including the ceremony in the tourism calendar of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).
The goal is to promote the Murum area and Penan culture.
Ugak believed that SEB is dedicated to preserving the Penan people’s traditional heritage and supporting their educational and socio-economic development. This is particularly important for the Penan who have been relocated to the resettlement areas in Metalun and Tegulang.
He said this at the recent Batu Tungun 2023 Blessing Ceremony, held at the Murum Dam recently.
He also requested the construction of a multi-purpose hall and basic facilities at this location. This would provide a comfortable space for the Penan community, who travel from Metalun and Tegulang, as well as for tourists attending similar programmes in the future.
The ritual blessing ceremony was performed to honour the sacred area for the Penan Bungan people.
