KUCHING: The Iban community in Nanga Jagau, Ngemah Kanowit await Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who visits the resettlement area today.
His visit to the area will be highly appreciated and welcomed by the local folks.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing conveyed his appreciation to Abang Johari for taking his time to visit the settlers in the resettlement area.
“I am so pleased to know that a chief minister of Sarawak, by way of Abang Johari, finally pays a visit to Nanga Jagau, an Iban resettlement after 48 years even though this is a programme by the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) for Abang Johari to visit the vaccination centre (PPV) at Nanga Jagau,” he said.
Masing, who is also Baleh assemblyman, said the resettlement area was part of the government’s move to defeat the communist insurrection in the 1970s.
“These groups of Iban from Ulu Sungai Ngemah, which at that time was infested by communist terrorists, were asked to move downstream to Nanga Jagau and Nanga Ngungun.
“It is my hope that the chief minister can make a special trip to visit Penghulu Johnny and his followers,” he said.
He added the willingness by these Ibans to be resettled to the resettlement sites at Ngungun and Jagau had made it possible for the people to live in peace now.
“Therefore, I am pleased that the Sarawak government after almost half a century, finally pays its respect to the Ibans in Nanga Jagau.
Thank you Abang Johari,” said Masing, who is also the Infrastructure and Port Development Minister.
