SIMANGGANG: The villagers of Rumah Rebi Rimaw, Kampung Stumbin B here can finally heave a sigh of relief following the completion of their new longhouse.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, who is also Simanggang assemblyman, officiated at the longhouse completion with the traditional ‘Gawai Mangkong Tiang’ ceremony held on Friday (Jan 31).
The longhouse, which houses 21 families, was initially constructed in 2015 with financial assistance from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
Each family received RM10,000 through the Longhouse Loan Scheme funded by the Sarawak government.
However, the project faced challenges, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic and the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Despite that, perseverance and strong community commitment ensured the longhouse was completed and ready for occupancy three years after construction began.
Harden congratulated the longhouse residents for successfully completing their new home.
“I am very happy to be here with the longhouse residents and honoured to be the guest of honour at this meaningful event. May the longhouse residents continue to unite and cooperate in all programmes held.
“I am also excited to see the enthusiasm of the longhouse residents in preserving the Iban community’s cultural traditions, such as ‘Gendang Pampata’ and ‘Ngajat Ngalu Pengabang’ performed by the youth.
“Our ancestors would be pleased and grateful that, despite the modern world today, our customs and traditions are still being inherited, practised, and not forgotten by the younger generation, even in this era of information technology,” he said.
He also extended his appreciation to the event’s organising committee for inviting representatives from 16 nearby longhouses to the ceremony.
Approximately 1,000 people gathered at the longhouse for the ceremony.
Among those present were Land and Survey Department Sri Aman Division Superintendent Michealson Nyisin, Pemanca Denneil Saweng, Penghulu Jiram Sampek, Penghulu Mingging Sigan, Penghulu Andar Suntai, Penghulu Leonard Libau Anol, Penghulu Empaga Bailey, councillor Balean Suji Inggol, councillor Micheal Pillow, and councillor Shirley Mayang Ayai.
