FOOD AID: The food packets being handed over to the Penan families.
KAPIT: A two-day health programme was conducted at Rumah Ating, Long Urun, Belaga from Nov 16-17.
The programme was jointly organised by Lions District 308–A2 Zone 5, Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara, Kapit Resident’s Office, Divisional Health Office and Agriculture Department.
Besides providing free health screening and medical care, conducting talk on crime prevention and cooking demonstration, the visitors provided each family with food assistance worth RM100, agricultural tools, fertiliser, clothing and even story books for the children. Besides commending the organisers for the health programme, Kapit Resident Dahim Nadot said their visit would help the Penans open up their minds to modern farming as they had been used to depend on the surrounding jungle for vegetable and wildlife for protein.
HOPE OF THE FUTURE: Children, accompanied by their mothers, enjoy the packet drinks and sweets provided by the visitors.
EDUCATIONAL: Penan children seem to be attracted to the story books with lots of colourful pictures sponsored by the Lions. Sixth to eight left are Dahim, Dr Ngian and Stanley Ling.
He also expressed his thanks to them for their effort in making the Penans realise and value the importance of education.
“The Penans require motivation to do well in education. To change the community for a better future, education is the key,” he said when representing Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Billy Abit who could not make it to the village due to prior engagement.
He said their efforts would greatly complement the government’s resolve to help the community through various programmes and by providing them with modern amenities and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Lions Club members were from Lions District 308–A2 Zone 5 comprising Lions Club Kapit, Lions Club Song, Lions Club Sibu Berjaya, Lions Club Bawang Asam and Lions Club Pahlawan.
Rumah Ating, Long Urun is a new settlement occupied by some 100 Penan families.
They originally settled along the banks of Sungai Balui in Belaga before migrating to Long Urun about 20 years ago.
Among the visitors were Kapit divisional health officer Dr Ngian Hie Ung, administrative officers from Belaga and Sungai Asap sub-district Julivs Scott Sapang, Seavers Miot, Kuba Lusat and Hollish Tibang, past District Governor Augustine Ngu, Lions Club Kapit president Stanley Ling Bee Chong and organising secretary Dr Sia Tih Kong.