Penguang (fourth left) unveils the Hari Raya banner to mark the start of festivities. From second left are Belayong and Monica. 

MARUDI: The Malay community of Beluru near here will soon be able to run more activities – thanks to the allocations under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) announced by Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, who is Marudi assemblyman.

According to him, RM150,000 would be set aside for repair works on Kampung Melayu Beluru multi-purpose Hall; RM104,000 for housing assistance programme in the village; RM10,000 for its security and development committee (JKKK); RM15,000 for the committee of Masjid Beluru; RM5,000 for the Beluru Malay Women’s Association; and another RM5,000 for the Beluru Malay Youth Association.

In his remarks, Penguang also called upon the neighbourhood committees (KRTs) and the local People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) to focus on running more activities for the Malay community in Beluru.

“I urge the people to uphold unity, regardless of your race, religion or social background. Unity is a very critical aspect of our society – without it, it’s very hard for us to live in peace and harmony.

“As a Barisan Nasional (BN) representative, I am the assemblyman for all my constituents; I strive to do my very best to serve all members of the local communities,” he said at the opening of the district-level ‘Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri’ gathering at Kampung Melayu Beluru multi-purpose hall recently.

On another subject, Penguang – who came to the event with his wife Datin Monica Ukong – said he was looking forward to the establishment of a Category B Fire and Rescue station in Beluru planned for next year.

“I understand that the district already has its own Fire and Rescue Volunteers Unit, but to have its own fire station would be even better,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kampung Melayu Beluru headman Abdullah Samat handed over to Penguang some 130 application forms filled by villagers who wanted to become members of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

Acting Beluru District Officer Belayong Pok, Marudi District Council chairman Edward Mendai and Pemanca Enggah Nuga were also present at the Hari Raya gathering.