Megat (centre) with other dignitaries at the VVIP table enjoying the performances during the dinner.
MIRI: Delegates to the 12th Heart of Borneo (HoB) Trilateral Meeting from Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia are urged to continue generate fresh ideas, sharing of knowledge and expertise on relevant issues besides strengthening strategic collaboration between the three countries.
Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources secretary-general Datuk Dr Tan Yew Chong in his speech during a welcoming dinner for the 50 delegates at a hotel here on Thursday expressed confidence that the deliberation during the two-day meeting had been fruitul and productive.
His text of speech was read by the ministry’s under-secretary Dr Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian.
“Delegates especially those from Brunei and Indonesia too are encouraged to explore Sarawak. With its vast wilderness and rich cultural heritage, Sarawak is sure to be appealing to all of you. I hope this will not be your first and last visit here,” Tan said.
Among those present were the Sarawak Forest director Hamden Mohammad, and heads of delegations from Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia respectively – HoB Centre acting chief executive officer, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei Muhd Safwan Abdullah Bibi, deputy chief conservator of forest, Sabah Forestry Department, Frederik Kugan who is also the head of the Malaysian delegates and Bapak Muksin, head of the Indonesian delegates and other heads of government departments.
Tan added as part of the meeting, a field trip to Niah National Park was organised for the delegates to appreciate what nature is all about and he hoped that they had enjoyed the trip.
During the dinner, Malaysia also showcased traditional cultural dances of the Orang Ulu performed by award-winning local dance troupe, Tingang Madang while a solo sape performance was presented by Laing Uyo, a forrester from the Forest Department of Sarawak.
The Forest Department band called ‘Foresa Band’ presented music and played top hits from the three countries at the dinner. The two-day meeting ended yesterday and it was agreed that Brunei will host the 13th trilateral meeting next year.