DCCI to highlight grievances over Pan Borneo project with LBU
KUCHING: Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) will meet with Lebuhraya Borneo Utara Sdn Bhd (LBU) to highlight the grievances of members regarding the RM15 billion Pan Borneo Highway construction project in Sarawak.
DCCI president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum gave the assurance during DCCI’s 15th annual general meeting yesterday.
“As the president, I am keeping my eyes and ears open to the problems faced by our members,” he said.
DCCI members had called for fair treatment of their companies participating in the ongoing project as they claimed Dayak companies were not getting a significant portion of the 30 per cent value of contracts meant for Bumiputera participation.
The project from Telok Melano to Merapok involves a total distance of 1,060km.
Some members claimed they were being bullied by bigger companies regarding cost estimation and allocation, and facing difficulties in trying to complete the works package contracts.
Meanwhile, during the election for principal office-bearers, Salang, who is also Julau Member of Parliament, was returned unopposed for the 2017 to 2020 term.
Also returned unopposed were deputy president Kilat Beriak, and vice-presidents Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira, Leonard Martin Uning, Livan Tajang and Datuk Winsel Ahtos.
Secretary-general Libat Langub and treasurer Allan Keripin Nangkai also retained their posts.
Bell Bernard Agan, Dr Joseph Jawa, Telajan Luyoh, Paul Raja, Peter Usang Sagan, Ambrose Jarat, Leonard Jambu, Veronica Treasa Michael and Florince Christy were returned unopposed as 10 elected supreme council members.
The only new face is oil and gas industry entrepreneur Peru Balan Ding, who was elected vice-president.
Tenaga Nasional Berhad chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leo Moggie, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi Jugah, Tan Sri Celestine Ujang and Professor Dr Dimbab Ngidang remain as advisors.
Additional advisors appointed yesterday were Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep and former federal deputy minister Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan.
The meeting also discussed opportunities in the second coastal highway project, which some members claimed were not given to Dayak companies.
It was also revealed that DCCI will be developing assets in Kuching and Bintulu by building complexes for enhancement of Dayak commercial and cultural development.
Also present were Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat and former Ba Kelalan assemblyman Datuk Nelson Balang Rining.
On Friday, members attended a dinner with guest speaker Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) CEO Tan Sri Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot.