Take big leap into oil palm cultivation — Rep

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DIALOGUE WITH LONGHOUSES: A representative from the organising committee (2nd left) presenting a souvenir to Dennis, witnessed by headman of Long Puah Tugang Javon (4th left) and other government agencies representatives.

MIRI: Rural folk at Ulu Tinjar, Baram, have been urged to be responsive towards the government proposed oil palm development project in their areas.

Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau said the proposed 8,000-hectare development project will benefit more than seven longhouses.

“You are rich in land but it means little to you if you don’t turn it into a viable business venture or something that generates consistent income for you and your future generation.

“Be bold and take a big leap and don’t be afraid to go for something new in life, especially a proposed change brought about by the government,” he stated during a dialogue at the 26-door Penan/Kenyah longhouse, Long Puah which is located at Ulu Tinjar, Baram, on Thursday.

The dialogue was organised by Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) to brief the affected longhouse people on the proposed development.

He said the government with its inclusive policy, would like to see development taking place throughout the state.

“It is everybody’s responsibility to ensure that the future generation has a way of life or standard of living that is different or better from what you have today.

“In a matter like this, it is natural for some people to be apprehensive to make a decision to participate or not, especially in matters related to their livelihood but trust me, whatever is introduced or planned to happen by the government, it is solely for the benefit of the people affected and the state as a whole.”

In view of that, he urged the people not to be hesitant or wait far too long to start with this new way of life because other parts of Baram are going ahead with major development and Baram will be transformed into a vibrant new township with the realisation of the Telang Usan new township in a few years to come.

With the close proximity of Ulu Tinjar to the proposed site of the new township, the people of Ulu Tinjar will greatly benefit from the development which will also bring in roads and jobs.

Meanwhile, the dialogue at Long Puah was part of a series of dialogues organised by officers from LCDA, Land and Survey Miri, Ministry of Land Sarawak, Sarawak Forest Corporation and Samling Corporation.