BINTULU: The Bakun resettlement scheme community, particularly the Penans, need assistance from the federal and state government to live and continue to build a brighter future.
Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Billy Abit Joo said since the construction of Bakun Dam, the people had been sacrificing lots of valuable belongings, not only their houses and income but also part of their tradition and way of life.
“The Penans need the guidance and they should not be left behind from the wave of modern development,” Abit said at a leaders-meet-the-people session at Uma Belor Sg Asap in Belaga yesterday.
The ceremony was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Also present were Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and some federal and state ministers.
Abit said as tabled by Najib under the 10th Malaysia Plan manifesto, one of the targets was to achieve a high income economy and in line with the 1Malaysia concept the people in rural and remote areas, especially Bumiputeras in Sarawak, must be included in the plan.
“The opportunity must be given fair and square to all people and it is a responsibility to take care of the welfare of the vulnerable community in rural areas of Sarawak,” he said.
Among the issues faced by the people in rural areas, he said were basic infrastructure like road, clean water and electricity.
Some of the longhouses in Sarawak, said Abit were still not connected with modern infrastructure and the federal government must come out with more effective measures to settle all the outstanding issues as part of its social responsibility.
The Bakun resettlement scheme community must be continuously given assistance and guidance on how to improve their standard of living and generate a better income, he pointed out.