Before this, all I did was attend functions held in the city, going to places like Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza.
But today was entirely different. This morning, I followed fellow journalist Sharon and photographer Apai (that's what we call him anyways) to a Bidayuh village, located about 46 km from Kuching. It was about an hours drive from the city.....through the hilly and winding roads.
You see, the local authorities are planning on building a new dam to meet the increasing water demands of ppl living in Kuching and Samarahan. Unfortunately, the construction of this new dam means the relocation of 4 Bidayuh settlements to make way for the reservoir and the dam itself.
Fortunately, the government were kind enough to give the affected villages RM494 000 worth of compensation in total for resettlement. Also , the villagers, who would be relocated to the Padawan area which is much nearer the city, and given land for agriculture.
This relocation actually might very well be a blessing in disguise for them. Because before this, the people in these 4 villages lived a secluded life, cut off from the outside world. Their only means of reaching the main road leading to the city is by walking 4-5 hours through the dense jungles and over the hills. Yes, they have to walk 4-5 hours everyday just to reach the main road and the city in order to sell their crops. How fit they must be!
So after their resettlement, these villagers would be much closer to the city, making life easier for them, and making it easier for their children to get good education.
Below are some pictures I took with the villagers this morning. Note that those ladies are wearing the traditional Bidayuh costume. The Bidayuh people are one of the many Dayak races found in Sarawak. The other Dayaks include the Ibans (majority), Melanaus, Kayans and Kenyahs. The photographer took them for me. Enjoy!!
Donning the traditional Bidayuh costume.
Me and several Bidayuh ladies. We are wearing the traditional Bidayuh costume. Never mind the dog who decided to enter the photo at the last minute :lol
With Kenyah ladies who are on their way to performing in Kuching.
A glimpse of the village...Kampung Betong.
2 comments:
Heheheh so cute lah the dog wants to be in the photo too!
lol- it wants its one minute of fame as well!! Haha
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