SIBU: The Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Rumah Panjang Uma Daro, Liling Padong, Sungai Asap in Belaga, has brought pride to Sarawak after securing third place at the MADANI Village Aspirations Award (ADM) held in Jengka, Pahang, recently.
Its advisor, Pemanca Umek Jeno, said the JKKK of Rumah Panjang Uma Daro was shortlisted alongside 13 other village committees from across the country to compete in the award organised by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).
He said the achievement earned the committee a cash prize of RM50,000 and a trophy presented by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development.
In addition, the committee also received the Special Viral Video Award, taking home a further RM20,000 in cash and a trophy presented by Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang.
“We are extremely proud of these achievements. Not only have we brought honour to Sarawak, but this award is also a great recognition for our community in the rural interior. Although we are located in a remote area, we have proven that we can achieve excellence for Sarawak.
“This success also clearly reflects that the development implemented by the Sarawak Government has indeed reached rural communities. We will continue striving to do our best for Rumah Panjang Uma Daro,” he said.
Umek added that Uma Daro is home to about 900 residents, comprising 115 household units across eight residential blocks.
The longhouse settlement is inhabited by the Kayan ethnic community of the Orang Ulu group and is located within the Bakun Resettlement Scheme (BRS) in Sungai Asap, Belaga.
