Emang (seated fifth right) and other members of the society in a photocall during the family day.
MIRI: Village folks of Long Panai, Tutoh in Baram look forward to moving to higher ground away from perennial flooding.
A community leader Emang Anyi revealed that the 40-year old Kayan settlement which suffers from flooding no less than three times a year, has witnessed an increase in the incidence of flooding these past few years.
“We are now pushing for our longhouse to be moved to higher ground as our village is always hit by major flood every year. Long Panai is one of the villages famous for its flood situation in the news.
“Currently, we are trying to build a new village and need the support of both the state and federal governments to construct an access road to the new village and help make the new flood-free village a reality,” said Emang when met during a family day organised by the Kampung Long Panai society at Luak Esplanade yesterday.
On the family day, Emang said it is an annual get-together for over 100 members and their families who live and work in cities mainly in Miri and Bintulu.
“It helps to foster closer ties among the members and Kayans of Long Panai,” he said.
Emang pointed out that the society also holds other community based activities like inviting specialists and speakers to the village to update residents on the latest development and any potential to enhance the economic well-being of the longhouse folks.
“We also bring in personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), police, health office, the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) to enlighten the villagers on their roles and responsibilities,” he added.
Emang added that they will be holding a pre-Christmas dinner for the Long Panai folks at Eastwood Golf and Country Club on Dec 2.