Sim (third right) hands over the compensation cheque to Banda witnessed by (from left) Edmund, Intang, Dr Rundi, Ijau Ugieng (AIG Miri branch sales manager) and Victor Temenggong.
MIRI: Iban longhouse chiefs should form an association in their respective areas, suggests Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
He said through the association, they can buy insurance policies which could benefit their family members and next-of-kin.
The Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity & Telecommunications) and Assistant Minister of Youth Development (Rural) cited the ‘Persatuan Tuai Rumah’ Suai as a good example to emulate.
He said the association under the presidency of Boniface Bada Enjah bought an insurance policy for its 55 members.
“This is a good step taken by the members as they view it as a necessity to cover them in the event of calamities.
“Apart from that, the association serves as a useful platform to get together for interaction and unity,” Dr Rundi said.
He added, through the to association, members could meet up for meetings, discussions and exchange experiences as well as update one another on the progress and development in their respective villages.
The assistant minister was met during the handing-over of the compensation claim cheque from insurance company AIG by its Miri branch manager Sim Wai Fong to Bada at a leading hotel here yesterday.
When asked, Bada said the money would be given to the wife of one of their members, Randang Jeeh, who died in a road accident last August.
“We hope this will help lighten the family’s financial burden and other necessary needs,” he explained to The Borneo Post.
Meanwhile, the Persatuan Tuai Rumah, Suai was formed in 2009. As of now it has 55 registered members who are all longhouse chiefs in Suai district.
The office bearers are councillor Akai (deputy president), Ngadan Muyang (secretary), Sulang Arah (assistant secretary), Edward Chai (treasurer) and Marudi Jalin (assistant treasurer).
Councillor Robert Tugang, Tarang Kimin, Junit Engkabang, Libau Usang, Hassan Dana, Sanjan Jangan and Ausang Kumbong are the committee members.