KUCHING, July 5: The Medamit Festival is a platform for Limbang district’s multi-racial community to come together and strengthen their bonds, as well as for entrepreneurs and small traders to return to business and make a profit in order to restore their affected businesses.
According to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Deputy Minister of Rural Development Datuk Hasbi Habibollah stated that the government’s decision to implement the dynamic phase transition on April 1 allowed for the opening of many economic activities and the organisation of various programmes and activities.
He went on to say that this has allowed the community to resume normal life while still adhering to the standard operating procedure (SOP) preventive measures.
“The Medamit Festival’s impact will enable entrepreneurs and small traders to return to business and profitably restore their affected businesses.
“When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country, many businesses were forced to close, and some shops were unable to reopen due to a lack of customers, supplies, and so on.
“So, today we are grateful that people can get back up and carry on with their lives and businesses,” he said on Saturday (July 2) while officiating the Traditional Game Carnival and Cultural Night in conjunction with the Medamit Festival 2022 in Limbang, which was organised by the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA) and Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Belia Bersatu Sarawak (SABERKAS) Batu Danau in collaboration with Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) and Limbang Resident Office.
Various interesting events were held over the two days of July 2 and 3, including the Iban Traditional game competition, Pekit Kumang Gawai, futsal competition, boat racing, dinner, cultural performances, and other activities.
Hasbi, who is also Limbang MP, hoped that on Aug 1, Brunei Darussalam would open its borders and allow people from Limbang and Lawas to travel to Miri.
Meanwhile, on the Sarawak Sabah Link Road (SSLR) Project’s implementation status, he explained that the project is divided into two phases, the first from Simpang Gelugus to Long Lopeng Lawas and the second from Long Lopeng to Rh Aling, Limbang, and from Rh Aling to Mulu.
“This SSLR provides an alternative route to Miri without passing through Brunei, while also improving the socio-economic status of people in Northern Sarawak’s rural areas.
“If there are no problems during the implementation stage, the 421km project, which covers high mountains, deep and steep valleys, and the lake, is expected to be completed in 2028,” he added.
During the ceremony, Hasbi announced an RM30,000 allocation to the Medamit Festival Committee.
Also present were Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang, SADIA Limbang branch chairman Jerry Seraie, Temenggong Willie Marum Liaw, and Temenggong Nicholas Boyok Pura. — DayakDaily
