Longhouse chiefs to have own association

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LUBOK ANTU: An Association of ‘tuai rumah’ or longhouse chiefs has been proposed to better facilitate bringing of development projects to Batang Ai’s rural areas.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: Mussen hits the gong to declare the start of Rumah Liam’s Ninth Anniversary celebration. Tuai Rumah Liam is at third left.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: Mussen hits the gong to declare the start of Rumah Liam’s Ninth Anniversary celebration. Tuai Rumah Liam is at third left.

Batang Ai assemblyman Malcolm Mussen Lamoh said the setting up of the association was important as it could help to update the government on the lack of basic necessities such as roads and electricity supply.

“This association will enable the longhouse chiefs to meet and share ideas, convey the people’s needs and help implement income-generating agricultural and eco-tourism projects,” he said during Rumah Liam’s Ninth Anniversary celebration in Rantau Kemayau Manis, Ulu Engkari here on Saturday.

Mussen said once the association was in place, he would be able to talk to representatives of chieftains who should present proposals agreed upon by them in their meetings.

“In this way, planning and implementation of development projects will justify government’s spending of millions of ringgit.

“Ask and ye shall be given, but with good reasons,” Mussen added.

For the Ulu Engkari area, nine ‘tuai rumah’ from Mengiling, Nanga Mengkak, Nanga Tutong, Nanga Ukom, Sepaya, Nanga Stamang, Rantau Kemayau Manis (Rh Liam), Lubok Pantu and Nanga Talong will join the association.

According to Mussen, similar association will also be set up for other areas in the Batang Ai constituency with members consisting of not more than 15 ‘tuai rumah’ per association.