NOV 12 — We often hear of communities whining and complaining about the lack of maintenance of facilities constructed by the government.
But not the folks at Rumah Richard Nanga Beguang in Song, Sarawak.
A small village located some 50km from Kapit and 130km from Sibu, the locals began living in the area in the late 1940s. It was regarded as the first settlement along Beguang River.
As the area started to progress, the government saw it fit to include a sporting facility right in front of the longhouse.
In 2010, a futsal court was constructed under the Gelanggang Futsal 1Malaysia project, which was ready just before the Hari Gawai (Harvest Festival) celebration.
However, a major flood swamped the village in August the same year, leaving the court covered with mud.
The villagers did not whine, complain or demanded for assistance from any party. Armed with brooms, shovels and other tools, they got together and cleaned the area. They called it gotong-royong — a word alien for city folk.
And they have been working hard to upkeep the place since.
“We don’t ask for money from anyone. We just collect money among ourselves and appreciate what little grants we receive. We touch up and repair the minor stuff that needs immediate attention,” said resident Catherine Nain.
“We appreciate what has been given to us and repay the gratitude by keeping the place in check.”
When told of that most city folk would demand that the onus of maintaining the place lies with the local council or government, she laughed.
“We don’t like to complain. But if there are major works that need to be done, then we hope someone will help us,” she said in jest.
The futsal court, which now has a badminton-cum-sepak takraw court adjacent to it, is used daily. The courts have also hosted other activities, including a blowpipe competition. It has been the pride of the residents there.
Picture a similar situation in Kuala Lumpur.
The many sporting facilities and playgrounds, especially at PPR flats and schools, are a sad sight. Broken swings, rundown courts and badly maintain fields are some of the examples.
When asked, the typical reply would be “not my problem” or “government should pay lah”.
Some would argue government funds should be channelled to such facilities instead of other unnecessary expenditure often revealed in the yearly Auditor General’s Report or to rend services from third parties at ridiculous prices. True.
Then again, the government can only do so much. The folks at Rumah Richard Nanga Beguang have got it right and has taught us to be a little more appreciative to what is given.
* This is the personal opinion of the columnist.
