BARIO — Pertama FerroAlloy Sdn Bhd strengthened community bonds through dual initiatives in the highlands on Friday, culminating in RM139,000 funding allocations for local development.
Deputy Minister Datuk Gerawat Gala joined employees and residents for a gotong-royong at Lepo Rurum community hall ahead of a 250-attendee community dinner, highlighting corporate-community synergy.
The afternoon cleanup at Lepo Rurum – a cultural nexus for the Kelabit people – prepared the venue for July’s Nukenen and Bario Cultural Festival (July 24-26). “This hall hosts our meetings, ceremonies, and social cohesion,” stated Gala, the Mulu Assemblyman, as PBB Youth volunteers cleared debris.
He emphasized the CSR program’s dual purpose: preserving heritage while fostering shared responsibility between industries and communities.
At the evening dinner, Gala disbursed:
- RM125,000 MRP grants to 8 recipients
- RM14,000 UNIFOR grant to BEM Arur Dalan church
“Pertama FerroAlloy’s involvement proves private investment extends beyond economics to human development,” Gala noted, citing the company’s educational support and skills training in Bario since 2022.
The initiatives exemplify Sarawak’s ‘whole-of-society’ approach to rural progress, with similar partnerships planned for Ba’Kelalan and Long Seridan.
Pertama FerroAlloy CEO Tan Liang Kheng confirmed ongoing commitments: “We operate in Sarawak’s land; investing in its people is our duty.” The company has funded 14 Bario youth scholarships since 2023.
