KUCHING: More than 98 per cent of Penans in the state have opted for a settled lifestyle, enabling the community to have better access to education, healthcare and various government socio-economic projects.
A report from a census conducted from April to October this year revealed that only 275 Penans from 54 families, which accounted for 1.55 per cent of the total Penan population, still live a nomadic lifestyle.
Of the lot, 247 people (49 families) were located in the areas of Ulu Sg Tutoh while the remaining 28 people comprising five families were found at Ulu Sg Limbang.
The total Penan population in the state was recorded at 17,784 living in 135 villages. They are found in the districts of Marudi (64.1 per cent), Belaga (19.4 per cent), Bintulu (7.3 per cent), Miri (5.9 per cent) and Limbang (3.2 per cent).
“To establish a detailed database on their population and settlement in the state, a census was conducted in collaboration with the state Federal Government Office to identify those who are living in poverty,” said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang when delivering his winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here yesterday.
“Based on these findings, the state is satisfied that almost all of the Penans are living a settled life.
“This is in line with the government’s aspiration for the Penan communities to benefit from all public facilities including schools, clinics, various programmes and socio-economic projects implemented at their settlement and villages,” said Jabu who is also Modernisation of Agriculture Minister and Minister of Rural Devleopment.
He added that the government had also allocated funds to build a community development centre at Long Atei, Apoh Tutoh to benefit some 518 Penan families in 12 villages in the area of Ulu Apoh/Ulu Tutoh Baram.
Under the 1Azam programme, the state has established a special Penan community development initiative to improve their livelihood through their traditional skills and handicrafts.
To promote this programme, the state Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation together with Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Development Unit and Miri Resident’s Office organised trips to Penan villages in Long Beruang, Ba’Lai, Long Lamai in Ulu Baram and Long Item to attract community participation, in addition to purchasing their handicrafts.
To date, a total of RM11,464 worth of products have been purchased. Products bought will be promoted in various expos inside and outside the country.
From Dec 14-21, the team will head to Sungai Patah and Sungai Silat Ulu Baram to make orders of various products estimated to be worth more than RM40,000.