Jamit wants Kapit to have handicraft centre
KAPIT: Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat once again called on the government to set up a handicraft centre in Kapit.
He said the centre would be a proper place to display and exhibit the rich handicraft of the various indigenous groups in the division – the Iban, Orang Ulu and other ethnic groups.
Among the handicraft products, he added, are the ‘ pua kumbu’, wood craft, baskets and beads.
“Handicraft has always been very popular among the local visitors and tourists who buy them as souvenirs or gifts for family and friends. Handcraft is business,” Jamit emphasised.
He added that the ‘pua kumbu’ from Kapit has earned a reputation as being the best in the state and fetches high value in the market.
“A piece measuring 4 x 8 feet could easily fetch a few thousand ringgit,” he pointed out, adding handicraft making as a cottage industry could generate extra income for the artisans.
Jamit was speaking at the PreGawai Dayak 2018 gala dinner on Sunday at the Civic Centre here, which was attended by some 750 people.
The function was organised by Sarawak Dayak National Union
Handicraft has always been very popular among the local visitors and tourists who buy them as souvenirs or gifts for family and friends. Handcraft is business.
( SDNU) Kapit in collaboration with Dayak Bidayuh National Association ( DBNA)), Orang Ulu National Association (Ouna)) and Sarakup Induk Dayak Sarawak (SIDS).
Among the sponsors were Sarawak Energy Berhad and Global Minerals Sdn Bhd.
The function was jointly launched by Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang, who represented Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, and Jamit.
In conjunction with the Gawai celebration, Jamit also reminded the various ethnic groups to preserve and practise their traditions, cultures, music and dances.
“It is very important to uphold our traditions and practices because they are our unique identities,” he said.
To the parents, he told them to give utmost importance to the education of their children.
“When children do well, they become somebody in the society. That is the greatest award. For us in the rural areas, quality education is the stepping stone to success,” he reminded.
Jamit acknowledged the contributions of the mission schools in Kapit, saying these schools had produced many good leaders among the community.
He announced government grant of RM15,000 for SDNU for its activities.
“I applaud SDNU for emphasising children’s education. Each year, the association offers cash incentives to students who excel in public examinations to encourage them to study very hard,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nyabong, who also spoke, thanked voters who had overwhelmingly voted for Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong and Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi to be members of Parliament for Hulu Rajang and Kapit respectively.
“Although there is change in the government, we as elected representatives take it as our responsibility to champion infrastructure development and take care of the people in our constituencies,” Nyabong assured.
Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Bukit Goram assemblyman