Down memory lane Berumuh way By KUCHING: The younger generation of Bidayuhs will get to learn how their forefathers lived in the olden days through a Pesta Berumuh (Padi Planting Festival). The festival, to be held at the sports stadium in Serian on March 21 and 22, is organised by Dayak Bidayuh National Association. It is one of the activities arranged in line with ‘45 Years of Sarawak’s Progress in Malaysia’. Permanent secretary to the Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation, Ik Pahon Joyik, announced this at the closing of the ‘National Social Policy Empowerment Course Within The Context of Social Development Organisation: Sarawak Zone’ at the Islamic Information Centre here yesterday. “The festival will reflect the lives of the Bidayuh in the olden days, which revolved around hill padi planting. “The festival will start with a parade on March 21 showcasing 17 dialectical Bidayuhs groups. Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will officiate at the parade and festival.” At the function yesterday, Ik Pahon told the 37 participants that parents who were concerned about their children’s involvement in social ills, were brought to the drug rehabilitation centre as they had no other choice. “Also, the ministry cannot take any action against those involved in social ills because the law doesn’t allow them to make any arrest. “Youths today are smarter. They will question the authority with questions like ‘Under what section are you bringing me in?’,” he said. Which was why, he continued, it was difficult for the ministry to identify whether social ills in the country had escalated or not. “The awareness of the trend in social ills among youth is a dynamic issue, not a static one. We have to be aware of this and make sure that every knowledge obtained is made use of,” he told the participants. He added that everyone had to be on their toes in order to curb the growing problem. “Maybe the priority of some may not be with social issues but it is the responsibility of all to make sure the problem is solved. “The way to overcome it is by being aware of one’s surroundings and to participate in activities and courses to promote greater awareness,” he continued. “The current social trend of smoking, drinking and glue-sniffing is still rampant and the main concern of the ministry is to counter the problem before it gets bigger. The three-day course was held to increase participants’ understanding of the National Social Policy. Also present was Malaysia Welfare Association chief executive officer Datuk Sayed Abdul Rahman.