Poverty among rural-urban ­migrants alarming

from The Borneo Post

Kapit Member of Parliament Alexander Nanta Linggi has voiced his concern over what he sees as a disturbing development – growing urban poverty among rural folk who have decided to leave their longhouses for life in town.

He said the comparatively low economic standing of these rural-to-urban migrants appear to be con-nected to their lack of competitive-ness due to poor education.

“Clearly, what they need most is education and training if they hope to make it good in town,” Alexander said when he officiated at the recent 34th mini convocation of Methodist Private Kapit Pre-school at the Methodist Iban Church here.

He said Dayak parents who had decided to leave their longhouses for life in the towns must put education of their children as their priority.

He said their only ticket to a competitive urban existence was education and training of the ‘highest possible level’.

“Otherwise, there is really no reason to leave the longhouses because without sound educational background or skills training, urban living could even be harsher as everything has to be paid for,” Alexander said.

He thus stressed the importance of effective parental role in ensuring that their children go to school right up to the university level.

Alexander said the education system in Malaysia was one of the best in the world, and this was proven with the appointment of the Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein as one of the Unesco board members.

In this regards, Alexander advised those who wanted to migrate to urban area to clearly set their goal.

“If it is to allow their children to enjoy better education in urban schools, then their priority is clearly for the education of their children.”

“That being the case parents must ensure that they are there to ensure that their children get the best education possible by monitoring their progress and work with the schools to ensure that they do their school works.”

At the function, Alexander presented prizes to the three best pupils - Gritechen Emmacynda Gasah, Hillary Jemat and Sylvester Balan.

To entertain the crowd, the children put up several sketches to showcase their talent.

The headmistress Petrolhella Buya Mabut, members of the board of management led by chairman Kaso Linang, Reverend Banyau Amping were among the more than about 300 parents present.