Kelabits, Sa'bans, Kenyahs and their Penan neighbours: partners in development

Abstract

The statement above is a record of a small step for mankind but a giant and significant leap for the Penans. It was made by the officer concerned after he had spent two weeks at Long Lamei, observing their way of life and to make suggestions to assist the Penans to adapt to a settled life. Long Lamei is actually the second village that they built since they have settled. The place where they first settled was at Long Belaka which was about a mile down-river from Long Lamei. The person most instrumental in persuading the Long Lamei Penans to settle is Lahang Apoi, a Sa'ban of Long Banga'. When I interviewed him in December 1984 he provided me with the historical background to the decision made by the then nomadic Penans to settle down and their progress since then. Today, not only has Long Lamei been a successful settlement it has also given rise to three other new ones, namely, Long Beruang. Ba' Lai and Pa' Berang. established in that chronological sequence. This paper will document the events that led to the abandonment of a nomadic lifestyle to a settled one. It also provides insights into their adjustment to this transition and their relationships with neighbouring Kelabits, Kenyahs and Sa'bans. More importantly an analysis of this exceptional story will highlight the key factors that led to its success. The information for this paper are based mainly on the interview I had with Lahang Apoi informal discussions with their settled neighbours and from my own personal and intimate association with the Penans.