MUSA VISITS FAR-FLUNG LONG PASIA

GREETED ....Musa being greeted by Long Pasia villagers on his arrival at the village on Saturday. He is accompanied by Chief Villager Mudin Sia (right).

FRESH from his recent re-appointment as Chief Minister following the general election Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman made a long trip to far away Long Pasia and Long Mio in the district of Sipitang.

He made it clear that his visit there was to bring development to all parts of Sabah, even the most remote areas such as Long Pasia and Long Mio.

Rich in biodiversity, Long Pasia and Long Mio have huge tourism potential and this is not lost on the Chief Minister. However, he also considered bringing coffee and rubber cultivation there to raise the f socio-economic potential of the people through job creation and other opportunities.

"In this connection, the government will provide the necessary assistance and appropriate incentives to make this work", he said.

Realising the long distance to the area in terms of fuel transport, which makes diesel-powered electricity generation untenable, the Chief Minister told the people that the government would increase and improve the use of solar energy in the two villages of Long Pasia and Long Mio.

Responding to a request for a secondary school, the Chief Minister disclosed that the government had already identified the site for the construction of the school in Maligan.

"These are our efforts to ensure that the young people here receive the best education for their future and family," he told them.

Long Pasia and Long Mio are accessible by four-wheeled drive vehicles over more than 100 km of logging road.

The Lundayeh community in these areas have long wished to be connected with the outside world by a better road network. And so when Chief Minister announced the government's decision to construct a concrete road network for the residents of Long Pasia and Long Mio the announcement was received with much jubilation.

The Village Chief of Long Pasia Mudin Pasia was gratified by the Chief Minister's visit . He described it as a historic event for the Long Pasia villagers.

"Through this visit, not only can the Chief Minister experience our culture, but he can also see for himself the real environment of the people living here," he added.

The Village Chief of Long Mio, Marung Padan, expressed similar appreciation. He said "We are very happy and grateful not only because the Chief Minister has paid us a visit, but also because he is willing to listen to our needs and concerns, and has approved some of our requests."

Sipitang MP Datuk Sapawi Ahmad, State Assemblyman Sindumin Ahmad Bujang, District Officer Latif Amat as well as Department of Lands and Survey Director Datuk Osman Jamal accompanied the Chief Minister on his visit here. The Chief Minister also took the opportunity of his visit to take a look at the rural library, Military Control Post and the Tagal System practised by the local villagers. He also visited the old airport site before heading back to Kota Kinabalu. (Insight Sabah)