KUCHING: A convoy of 150 modified four-wheel-drive (4WD) trucks brought aid and medical services to six remote Iban villages along Batang Rejang last weekend.
The ‘Charity Without Borders’ expedition, organised by Hope Place Kuching with partners, focused on riverbank settlements in Sarawak’s interior, continuing an outreach started in 2013.
“‘Charity Without Borders’ was created to reach remote communities often left out,” said Hope Place Kuching in a statement on Thursday, describing the programme as a long-term commitment.
Several 4WD clubs across Sarawak collaborated with the Sarawak State Health Department and Ibraco Bhd, while an international convoy of 15 vehicles joined from Brunei.
“In total, 150 modified trucks flagged off from Bintulu town at 8:00 am on December 12, travelling rugged terrain before reaching Rumah Pilai by 4:00 pm,” the statement said.
Upon arrival, villagers led by the headman welcomed participants with a traditional miring ritual, as greeters dressed in full Iban attire marked the occasion.
“This year’s expedition delivered food aid to 150 pintu (longhouse units) across six longhouses, namely Rumah Pilai, Rumah Guyang, Rumah Julan, Rumah Rajau, Rumah Manggie and Rumah Ibin,” the statement added.
“Most residents are elderly people or young children, as younger adults work elsewhere and usually return only during major celebrations like Gawai and Christmas.”
Rumah Pilai is about three hours from Kapit by express boat, while boats take up to eight hours, and students travel by river to school.
Ibraco Bhd, the main sponsor, contributed RM30,000 worth of food aid, with its representative, Melina, distributing supplies together with Hope Place volunteers.
Hope Place also distributed life jackets donated by Sarawak Energy Bhd to students, presented a wheelchair, shared Christmas gifts, and provided free haircuts.
The Sarawak State Health Department, led by Assistant Director, Dr Azlee Ayub, deployed 26 medical personnel to run screenings, dental checks, extractions and medicine distribution.
A total of 250 villagers from nearby areas arrived by boat for health checks, receiving lunch packs before returning home after consultations and treatment.
After departing on Sunday morning, the convoy battled muddy hills for four hours before reaching Bintulu by evening.
