LIMBANG: The establishment of the Persatuan Kelabit Meri’it Limbang (PKML) marks an important step in strengthening unity, cultural identity and community development among the Kelabit Meri’it community in the Limbang Division.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala said although the Kelabit community is relatively small in number, it continues to play a significant role in Sarawak’s development.
He said the Kelabit community is well known for its customs, strong values, courtesy and spirit of togetherness, while also contributing greatly in various fields including education, public service, religion, culture and community leadership.
“Although the Kelabit community is not large in number, its contributions towards the development of Sarawak are highly significant, particularly in education, public service, religion, culture and community leadership,” he said at the establishment ceremony of PKML in Limbang on Wednesday in a news report by UKAS.
Gerawat said associations such as PKML play an important role in ensuring communities are not left behind in the state’s development agenda.
He said the association would also serve as a bridge connecting the community with government agencies and development opportunities available to the people.
“Apart from strengthening community unity, the establishment of the association also reflected the commitment of the Kelabit Meri’it community in preserving its heritage, customs and culture for future generations,” he said.
At the same time, Gerawat expressed hope that younger members of the Kelabit Meri’it community would continue to explore new fields in line with Sarawak’s aspirations towards becoming a developed and digital economy state by 2030.
