CORDIAL: Abdillah presents a souvenir to Ripin (left).
MIRI: Jatti Meirek Association of Miri (PJMM) should consider tapping the power of cyberspace to promote the cultures and traditions of the Jatti Meirek, a minority community in the state.
Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat said the association should also woo more youngsters to join them to safeguard their rich cultural and traditional heritage.
“This is to ensure that your precious cultures and traditions are not lost to the wave of modernisation,” Ripin said at PJMM’s 12th Triennial General Meeting (TGM) here yesterday.
“The young generation of today greatly depend on the Internet to look for information. Thus, it is ideal for the association to explore the huge potential of the Internet for cultural promotion efforts.”
Ripin cautioned that the extinction of cultural and traditional values would be a great loss to the community and the nation, and thus they must be preserved.
He also advised the Jatti Meirek community not to shy away from mainstream development even though they are only a minority race.
“Be proud to be part of a unique group.”
At the function, Ripin announced a RM8,000 grant from the Minor Rural Project (MRP) Fund for the association to carry out its activities.
One of the highlights of the function was the presentation of study incentives to seven students who excelled in public examinations.
PJMM president Datuk Abdillah Abdul Rahim, Deputy Miri Resident Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf, PJMM advisors Morshidi Mokhtar and Temenggong Abdul Rahman Fadzil were among those present.