MUKAH: Mukah MP Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Toyad has called on all three smart communities (k-Bestari) in Balingian state constituency to venture into homestay programme to widen their income base.Dr Leo made the call when he spoke as guest-of-honour at the k-Bestari Balingian Appreciation Dinner held at Kingwood Resort Mukah here. The three smart communities in Balingian state constituency are k-Bestari Balingian, k-Bestari Kampung Jebungan and k-Bestari Kampung Judan.
“It is imperative that all smart communities in Balingian state constituency venture into homestay programmer for better income".
“Secondly, this homestay programme will also motivate the communities to clean, spruce up and beautify their homes and villages to create a healthy and peaceful living environment as these will attract more visitors".
“Additionally, the homestay programmer will become a suitable platform for the local community to meet and interact with outsiders, to find better ways to develop their community progressively,” said Dr Leo, stressing that smart community members should also become Friends of Environment (Rakan Alam Sekitar) to create a green and clean environment conducive for healthy living.
Dr Leo said members of the smart communities were the movers and agents of development, and as such they should always be proactive, creative and innovative in planning and organizing their activities.
He called on them to grab the economic spin-offs in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) as well as attract more youths to become their members to create quality human capital and to nurture continuity in leadership.
Dr Leo, who is also president of the Federation of Melanau Association Sarawak (FMAS), announced a grant of RM15,000 from the Chief Minister-cum-Banning assemblyman fund, to be channeled through FMAS, and divided equally among the three smart communities for promotion of cultural activities. Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is the assemblyman for Balingian.
At the dinner, Leo also presented appreciation certificates to office bearers and committee members of the three smart communities for their services and commitment over the years.
In his welcoming speech, Mukah District Information officer Muhammad Alwi (also organizing chairman) said his department planned to increase the number of smart communities in Balingian to cater for encouraging demand from grassroots.
The dinner was also attended by Mukah District Officer Mohamad Nawawi, SAO Albania Linus Lukong of Balingian sub-district, Dalat District Information officer Mohd Khalid Ainie, Matu District Information officer Zaini Morshidi, Penghulu Wee Kee Chuan, k-Bestari Balingian chairman Penghulu Shahdan Sahari, k-Bestari Kampung Jebungan chairman Kudum Dillah and k-Bestari Kampung Judan chairman Jeraee Tagasan.
