Latest news with #Penguang
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Loagan Bunut touted as potential Ramsar site to boost eco-tourism
Penguang (sixth left) receives a memento from Japanie, as longhouse chieftain TR Dennis Jalin (fifth left) and others look on. MIRI (July 13): Loagan Bunut National Park holds strong potential to be nominated as Malaysia's next Ramsar site, a move that would further promote eco-tourism in the Baram region. In stating this, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, said to realise this goal, collaboration between local communities, especially the Berawan people living near Loagan Bunut, and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is vital. 'I recently had a discussion with Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts) and he assured me that he would be visiting Loagan Bunut soon to see for himself the area's potential,' he said when officiating at the 'Siju Festival' at Rumah Dennis Jalin in Loagan Bunut early yesterday. Penguang, the assemblyman for Marudi, also called upon residents to unite and work hand-in-hand with SFC and other government agencies in managing and preserving Loagan Bunut National Park. He added that should Loagan Bunut be successfully designated as a Ramsar site, dedicated allocations would be channelled to both SFC and the local communities to support the conservation and sustainable management of the area. 'I appeal to the Berawan community, who have been entrusted with stewardship of Loagan Bunut, to safeguard this area not only for themselves, but also for the benefit of the younger generation in the years to come.' Adding on, Penguang said as part of broader efforts to promote Logan Bunut as a tourism destination, at the launch of the Miri Heritage Trail last month, he had proposed extending the trail beyond Miri to include key historical and natural landmarks in Baram, namely Fort Hose in Marudi and Loagan Bunut. Meanwhile, SFC deputy general manager Japanie Bujang said the corporation would continue engaging with the local communities to raise awareness of the advantages of Ramsar recognition for Loagan Bunut. 'SFC believes that conservation and community development must go hand in hand. That is why we fully support the initiative to allow villagers to run booths during this festival – offering traditional dishes, forest produce and handicrafts as a means of supplementary income over the two-day event.' Japanie also expressed hope for the Siju Festival to become an annual affair. Since ratifying the Ramsar Convention – or the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat – on March 10, 1995, Malaysia has had seven wetlands recognised as Ramsar sites so far. They are Kuching Wetlands National Park in Sarawak; Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetlands as well as Kota Kinabalu Wetlands, in Sabah; Tanjung Piai, Pulau Kukup and Sungai Pulai, in Johor; and Tasek Bera in Pahang. Also present yesterday were Miri Resident Galong Luang, and Beluru District officer Charles Aloysius Lis. eco-tourism Loagan Bunut Penguang Manggil Ramsar
Borneo Post
25-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Local communities urged to help map Sarawak's historical sites
Ting (second left) strikes the gong to officiate the event as Penguang (left) and others look on. MIRI (June 25): The Sarawak government is calling on divisional tourism committees to work closely with local communities to identify and map out historical sites to be preserved and promoted as tourist attractions. State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting, said the ministry will support these efforts through the divisional tourism committees by providing funding and tourism product development. 'In Miri and its hinterlands, there is a wealth of history, and I believe the same goes for other divisions in Sarawak. Every town in Sarawak has its stories ― of rivers, markets, communities, and dreams,' he said when officiating the launch of Miri Heritage Trail here today. Ting said the local communities possess valuable knowledge of historical sites in their areas, and the ministry, together with the divisional authorities, can assist in preserving and promoting these legacies. The Miri Heritage Trail pamphlet retraces the footsteps of the city's past and aims to guide its future development with pride and purpose, representing a collective community effort to preserve local heritage. Ting said the trail is more than just a map of historical sites ― it is a journey through time, from the earliest known mention of 'Maraboo' (Miri in 1791) to its transformation into Malaysia's first oil town. 'Miri's social history was shaped during the Brooke era and strengthened by communities such as the Jatti Miriek, Kedayan, Kenyah, Kayan, and others. Though the city's history was scarred by wartime struggles, it was never broken,' he added. Among the featured sites on the trail are Japanese Landing Craft War Memorial at Brighton Beach, lighthouse at Pusara Metali, The Grand Old Lady, Salome Dam, World War II Air Raid Shelter (Canada Hill), Bunkers Batu 1 (Kuala Baram road), Dato Permaisuri's Tomb (Tanjung Batu), WWII POW and Execution Camp (Lopeng), WWII Memorial Park, and Piasau Bailey Bridge. The ministry, in collaboration with local ethnic associations, history groups, and local authorities, developed the Miri Heritage Trail as part of efforts to preserve the city's legacy. The Miri History Group, made up of local history enthusiasts, played a key role in igniting interest in documenting these historical places, with a significant social media following backing the initiative. Meanwhile, Ting said the ministry will continue working with partners to ensure the trail is developed into a marketable tourism product, contributing to Sarawak's broader heritage tourism offerings. Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Dennis Ngau expressed optimism that many historical places across Sarawak ― including those in Baram basin ― could be developed into tourism products with the concerted efforts of all stakeholders. Also present at the event were Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datu Sherinna Hussaini; State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Miri District Officer Siti Rohanie Yusof; Miri Deputy Secretary Petrick Linggie Taboh; and community leaders. historical sites Miri Heritage Trail Sebastian Ting tourism
Borneo Post
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Beluru town comes alive as 2,500 people converge for Gawai Dayak open house
Photo shows a traditional 'miring' ceremony during the open house. MIRI (June 11): Over 2,500 people from all walks of life came to Beluru town last weekend for the Gawai Dayak 2025 open house hosted by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil. Held at the Beluru Community Hall from 10am-3pm, the open house saw long lines of visitors who hailed from Bakong, Tinjar, Long Lama, Marudi, Bekenu, Miri and even Limbang. Among them were Miri Resident Galong Luang, Beluru district officer Charles Aloysius Lisu, community leaders from the Iban, Chinese, Malay and Orang Ulu communities, and others. Penguang's family, including his four grandchildren who flew in from Kuching, were present to welcome the guests. Penguang (fourth left) and Monica (third left) pictured during the open house. The rich cultural heritage of the Iban community was on full display during the open house, with traditional Iban 'miring' and 'bebiau' ceremonies, and 'tuak in a 'jalong' (bamboo) container served to guests. During the event, 'ngajat' and 'kuntau' performances were exhibited while children also performed the 'gendang pampat' and 'poco-poco'. Further enlivening the event were shows by Iban guest singers. Penguang's wife Datin Monica Ukong Jaya also took to the floor, performing a 'ngajat' dance, to the crowd's delight. community Gawai Dayak lead open house Penguang Manggil
Borneo Post
08-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Marudi rep, wife grace Gawai open house do in Beluru
Penguang (seated on gong) and Monica on his right join in the miring ceremony upon arriving for the open house celebration. MIRI (June 8): More than 2,000 people turned up at the Beluru community hall in Bakong on Saturday for the Gawai Dayak 2025 open house celebration hosted by the Marudi Service Centre. The event was graced by Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government and Marudi assemblyman Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, who was accompanied by wife Datin Monica Ukong Jaya. The programme kicked off with a thanksgiving prayer, followed by a lunch reception and cultural performances including gendang pampat, kuntau, traditional dances, and performances by local artistes. The event served as a platform to strengthen ties among the various ethnic groups in the spirit of Gawai Dayak. Among those present were Miri Division Resident Galong Luang, Beluru district officer Charles Aloysius Lisu, Pemanca Enggah Muga, Pemanca Wong Kiong Ching, and local councillors. community Gawai Dayak marudi open house Penguang Manggil
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Gawai Dayak celebration in Miri highlights legacy, global identity
Penguang strikes the gong to mark the start of the Gawai Dayak 2025 event in Miri. MIRI (May 25): The Gawai Dayak celebration should serve as a platform to promote Dayak culture and identity to the global stage, said Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil. He also urged the Dayak community to take pride in their heritage and to uphold the Gawai celebration as a symbol of strength, continuity, and collective identity, and not merely as a festive occasion. 'Gawai holds a profound meaning. It is about more than celebration – it is about honouring the legacy of pioneers and leaders who paved the way. 'As your leader, and more importantly as someone who speaks for our community, I must remind this – if we do not speak for ourselves, who else will?' said the Marudi assemblyman his speech at the division-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner in Meritz Hotel here on Saturday. He represented National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang at the event. Adding on, Penguang also emphasised the importance of recognising the Dayak community as part of a global society that valued diversity and mutual respect. 'What we preserve today will not only be remembered by us, but by the future generations and other communities around the world. 'You, the Dayak people, must be proud ambassadors of the rich legacy we carry as a community.' Penguang also stressed the need for cultural preservation, encouraging the Dayaks to celebrate their traditions with pride – without fear of judgment. 'Do not feel ashamed. Gawai is the time to showcase who we are – our identity, our food, our dances, and our values. 'It is not merely about drinking or feasting, but about unity, dignity, and cultural pride.' He addressed the criticisms againts of cultural showcases like the 'Kumang' and 'Keling' (Princess and Warrior) pageants, stating that these traditions were not superficial displays, but important expressions of heritage and identity. 'Some say that the 'Kumang and Keling' competitions are merely about appearance and showcasing traditional clothing, but I disagree with that view. 'It's not about showing off. It's about respecting our traditions and giving them the dignity they deserve. 'We must fulfil our responsibilities as citizens and as part of a united, multiracial Sarawak. We must stand firm, united, and unshaken,' he stressed. Organised by the Miri Division Gawai Celebration Committee and hosted by the Miri Dayak Association (DAM), the event also had Penguang announcing allocations totalling RM105,000, with contributions from various leaders including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who pledged RM30,000, and himself with RM15,000; Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin (RM15,000); Aaron (RM10,000); Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Gerawat Gala (RM10,000), Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting (RM10,000); Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau (RM10,000); and Datuk Dr Nuing Jeluing (RM5,000). The evening featured cultural performances from the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities, with highlights including the Kumang, Dayung Sagon and Keligit Orang Ulu contests, as well as Keling and Belawan competitions for Gawai 2025. community Gawai Dayak lead Penguang Manggil
