Villages on the threshold of prosperity

18 July 2025

KOTA BELUD: Kuliom Ginsing, the village chief of Kampung Takulung, presides over a peaceful community of approximately 200 residents. Nestled in a picturesque setting where nature’s beauty is on full display, with towering trees and a river rushing nearby, the village exudes tranquillity and harmony.

Amidst this stunning environment, around 60 households lead their daily lives as rubber tappers and paddy planters. Some also cultivate vegetables and catch crops such as manioc and yams for their sustenance, with surplus sold for income. The villagers are content and fulfilled, finding happiness in the simple, rural lifestyle that the hustle and bustle of city life cannot rival. Their contentment reflects a deep appreciation for their way of life, rooted in close ties to nature and community.

“However, we are grateful for the amenities provided by the government, such as electricity, which brings comfort and convenience to our daily routines,” Kuliom shared, adding that they are also very thankful for access to the outside world via the gravel road leading into the village.

Gambuhar Dengkiris

While they hope that the government will soon asphalt the road to improve travel and transport, they remain resilient and patient.

“We hope the relevant authorities will do something to upgrade our roads, as you can see how muddy and slippery they can be when it rains,” she stated.

“Currently, two grocery shops serve the community’s needs, providing essential supplies,” she replied when asked how they obtain their daily necessities.

In addition, they hold a weekly Tamu, or community market, she explained. This market takes place every Tuesday, when villagers come together to sell their farm produce. Both residents and neighbouring communities gather to buy and exchange goods. It is also an important social occasion, fostering friendship and strengthening bonds among residents.

There is a Tamu Desa Open Hall in the village, built with the support of Kadamaian Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives. He was present to officially open the hall and mingled easily with his constituents during his visit.

Kuliom expressed her gratitude for the Tamu Desa Open Hall, noting that it provides shelter from the elements during the weekly market and serves as a venue for community events.

“We are very thankful for everything Datuk Ewon has done for us; his support, encouragement, and the establishment of the Tamu Desa are very much appreciated and meaningful to us. We hope he continues to serve as our leader here,” she said sincerely.

Village Chief of Kg Lasou Minunsud, Gambuhar Dengkiris, echoed her sentiments, stating that since Ewon became their State Assemblyman, he has never shirked his duties nor distanced himself from the needs of his constituents.

“One of his most valued contributions is his support for entrepreneurship, particularly in helping us build the Tamu Desa Open Hall. This has ensured that we are comfortable and sheltered when holding our weekly Tamu every Wednesday,” he said, adding that he is active as an entrepreneur.

“He has also helped us significantly by assisting in our places of worship. Additionally, he has given us funds to build a community hall that can accommodate up to 1,500 people. This hall is invaluable for hosting community events, weddings, reunions, and the Harvest Festival, among others.”

“We hope that he will be re-elected as our leader in the future,” he enthused.

Regarding his village, he said there are ten villagers involved in poultry farming, who already sell to bulk buyers who come to collect their poultry during batch harvesting. Each has a specific buyer for their produce.

“There are also villagers involved in rubber tapping, oil palm plantations, and Buah Keras (candlenut: Aleurites moluccanus) planting. This nut is very lucrative in the market,” he explained, adding that he buys them in bulk from his fellow villagers and sells to buyers outside the village.

Gambuhar is very proud of his villagers’ achievements and their efforts to improve their lives through entrepreneurship.

Ewon was at the Tamu Desa Open Hall to join his constituents during the Harvest Festival celebration, demonstrating his friendship and camaraderie with the attendees.