Nanta (right) receives a memento from Philimon.
KAPIT: The people here were reminded that even though programmes run under the Community Development Service and Local Agenda 21 by Kapit District Council (KDC) had undergone changes, the council’s role still remained the same.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Kapit MP Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said the council would always make it a priority to improve the way of life of the people for the better.
“The council’s role is not just on rate collection. Now the council has a diverse role and that includes prevention against diseases such as dengue and Ebola. This is a concern for us as many in our community are working in African countries where the Ebola disease is widespread,” he said.
“In this respect we must be alert and aware of this deadly disease and this means doing away with our practice, for example sharing one glass to drink ‘tuak’.
It is not a matter of disrespect but more importantly for health reason as diseases such as Ebola including tuberculosis can be spread through contact and saliva,” he said when officiating at the Community Development Service and Local Agenda (LA) 21 programme organised by Kapit District Council at Rumah Gerunsin Pagang, Nanga Nyimoh in Song District on Friday evening.
He lauded the council for organising such a meaningful programme.
“We must not take things for granted as far as diseases are concerned. Prevention against diseases is a collective responsibility of all and not only the Health Department or the local authority,” he pointed out.
On another matter, he thanked the people for their full support that enabled him to be a deputy minister.
“The BN government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has many good policies that benefit the people irrespective of racial background and religion,” he said.
To the community leaders, Nanta told them that they must know their roles.
“You must not let yourselves be easily inf luenced by the empty promises and sweet talk of the opposite.
“You must be able to evaluate what is right and what is wrong and be able to assist the elected representatives and government to quash the opposition’s negative comments and allegations,” he warned.
He added that community leaders are the eyes and the ears of the government, and entrusted with such heavy responsibility the government has increased their allowance.
Earlier upon arrival, he commissioned a steel bridge at the village.
The bridge connects the longhouse to SK Nanga Nyimoh and SK Nanga Musah.
Katibas assemblyman Datuk Ambrose Blikau Enturan, Walikota of Kapit Philimon Nuing, SAO Robert Segie, deputy Walikota Tapah Ata, councillors, Pemanca Gudang Gramong, 18 village headmen from the nearby areas and more than 500 longhouse folks and invited guests attended the function.