Sikie signs the plaque for the new centre. Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis is at second right, while Dennis is at third right.
MARUDI: A new rural service centre opened in Long Lamai Ulu Baram on Tuesday.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Native Adat and Penan Affairs) Datuk John Sikie Tayai called on the community to make full use of the centre so that it can be a springboard for development.
He called on the Penan community to slowly embrace a new lifestyle in today’s modern world.
“Prepare a better living for your children. It would be unfair to your children, due to the influence of someone or a group, that you decide to refuse government development, decide to stay away from other communities and want to remain the way you are.
“The government does not want this to happen. Every community on this planet earth started their lives as you did and they too have gone through the process of change,” he said.
Sikie also called on the Penan community to work closely with the government to enable long-term development plans to take place.
“I want to see the community as a whole progress on par with the other communities in the country.
“You must work closely among you and especially with the school so that more success through the school would be able to happen,” he said.
Sikie also announced a minor rural project grant of RM10,000 for the construction of a pastor’s house.
Meanwhile, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau thanked the government for constructing seven Penan service centres and focussing on rural development.