Development Blueprint For Rungus Heartland Being Formulated
Saturday, 11 September 2004 (Source: Bernama)

MATUNGGONG: A strategic development blueprint is being formulated to optimise development and eradicate poverty in the state constituency of Matunggong, the Rungus community heartland in Sabah.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili, said the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) is undertaking the task while the office of Kota Marudu MP will coordinate and provide funds for the field component of the project.

"The blueprint, expected to be completed in March 2005, would ensure coordinated and sustainable growth of the area's rural economy," he said when launching the Pesta Gong here Saturday.

He added: "A steering committee will be formed comprising heads of government departments and agencies, professionals, successful businessmen, community leaders and members of non-governmental organisation in the area.

"It will function as a forum to receive inputs and development ideas from the constituents on how to develop Matunggong optimally and eradicate poverty among the community."

Among other things, the study would take into account the area's agricultural potential, cultural wealth and handicraft skills as well as tourism attractions.

"Various workshops and work camps will be held to obtain such inputs and contributions," he said.

Once completed, the study would be submitted to the state government for implementation and allocation of funds, he added.

Ongkili said: "Strong political commitment and funding from the government will spur growth of Matunggong rural economy and create spin-offs that will drastically lift income level, provide jobs and eliminate poverty."

On the Gong Fiesta, Ongkili said it provides an important avenue to promote gong-making and native products.

"The market for native gongs is huge not only in Sabah and Sarawak but also Kalimantan and Asean as a whole... the challenge for the future is to improve work quality, conduct more aggressive promotions and widening market networks," he added.

Rungus craftsmen recently made it into the Malaysia Book of Records by making the largest gong, measuring 2.5 metres in diametre.

Ongkili said it was a major achievement that will further popularise gongs from Matunggong, about 170km north of Kota Kinabalu.