KUCHING, Aug 20: The resettlement of the Penan community stands as living proof of Sarawak’s inclusive development agenda, ensuring prosperity reaches even the most remote and semi-nomadic groups, said Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He stressed that Sarawak’s progress is not confined to urban centres but extends deep into the interior, where communities such as the Penan now have permanent settlements, access to education, and opportunities to thrive.
“We have 34 ethnic groups in Sarawak. Some were once semi-nomadic, such as the Penan. Today, their children are entering universities, some have become successful businessmen, and even political leaders,” he said when officiating at the Malam Aspirasi Warisan 2025, held in conjunction with the 20th International Translation Conference at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak branch here last night (Aug 19).
Abdul Karim acknowledged that while certain environmental groups may frown upon the State’s resettlement initiatives, such efforts were necessary to ensure that no community was left behind in the journey of development.
“Sarawak is now relatively prosperous, and we believe every citizen should share in this prosperity, including the Penan who were once semi-nomadic. This is our responsibility as a government,” he emphasised.
He added that the State government’s inclusive approach reflects Sarawak’s diverse cultural landscape, where all 34 ethnic groups deserve to benefit from progress regardless of their location or background.
At the same event, Abdul Karim also urged youths to safeguard Sarawak’s cultural heritage in the face of rapid globalisation, stressing that arts, language, customs and traditions are the true identity of the State and must be preserved alongside economic advancement. — DayakDaily
