KUCHING: Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, described the honour bestowed on Tuai Rumah Datuk Raymond Plen as a meaningful recognition for his family, his longhouse, and the wider community.
He congratulated Raymond on being conferred a state award from Pahang by His Royal Highness Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah in recognition of his leadership and service.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Raymond on being conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Pahang by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang. This award is a significant recognition of his leadership and contributions to the community, particularly at his longhouse,” Nanta said in a statement today.
He added that the award carried special meaning as Raymond’s longhouse in Gelam, Bintulu, had served as a stopover for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong during the ‘Kembara Kenali Borneo’ tour in 2023.
“This honour not only brings pride to him and his family but also to the entire Raymond Plen longhouse community and the local people. I believe with this recognition, Tuai Rumah Dato’ Raymond Plen will continue to lead with dedication, strengthen community unity, and support the state and national development agenda,” Nanta said.
Nanta also noted that Raymond’s longhouse has often been chosen as a venue for government programmes and visits by national leaders, making it an important hub for community engagement.
“This recognition and award elevates not only the standing of Rumah Raymond, but also the image of the Iban, Dayak, and Sarawakian communities as a whole,” he said.
Raymond is the only longhouse chief so far to receive the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP), which carries the title of Dato’, which he received in conjunction with the 66th birthday of the Sultan of Pahang last July.
