MURUM, Oct 6 2026: Murum State Legislative Member Kennedy Chupkai Ugon said he believes that three key development projects in Metalun — the newly completed Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Metalun building, the ongoing road upgrade to the area, and the Metalun Agricultural Station (currently at the tender stage) — are expected to strengthen access to education, connectivity, and economic opportunities for the Penan community of the Metalun resettlement scheme.
He said the projects are part of ongoing efforts to improve the well-being of the community in the Murum resettlement area.
He stressed education, infrastructure, and agriculture must be strengthened in tandem to create more opportunities for the community, particularly the younger Penan generation.
“Education builds the future generation. Roads open up connectivity. Agriculture creates economic opportunities. Telecommunications connect the community with the outside world,” he emphasised at the closing ceremony of Adet Tulat Apu Festival 2026 in Long Singu, Metalun yesterday.
Chupkai noted efforts to improve telecommunications coverage in the area are also crucial to ensuring the community has better access to education, employment opportunities, and digital-based economic activities.
He added the development of infrastructure and basic amenities must go hand-in-hand with efforts to strengthen community capacity so that the benefits of development translate into an improved standard of living.
He urged parents to continue prioritizing their children's education and to encourage the younger Penan generation to pursue further studies and enhance their skills.
He emphasised that an educated and skilled younger generation is vital for continuing community development and contributing back to the local society.
Chupkai remarked that the Adet Tulat Apu festival plays a role in preserving heritage and strengthening unity within the Penan community.
He said that the spirit of *gotong-royong* (mutual cooperation)—an integral part of the Adet Tulat Apu tradition—should be upheld within the context of modern community development. “In the past, we worked together to secure sago for our survival. Today, we must work together to build a better future for our children and grandchildren,” he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Murum Penan Development Community (MPDC), Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), community leaders, government agencies, and the residents of Long Singu for their cooperation in making the Adet Tulat Apu Festival 2026 a success.
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