Dayak Chamber seeks opportunities in regional development projects
KUCHING: Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( DCCI) is hopeful that projects worth below RM50 million, commissioned under Regional Corridor Development Authority ( Recoda), would be tendered out only to genuine Bumiputera contractors.
It is known that RM4.5 billion in funds have been allocated to Recoda slated for projects in the Upper Rajang Development Authority ( Urda), Highland Development Authority ( HAD) and Northern Region Development Authority ( NRDA).
This was voiced out by DCCI president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum during a recent courtesy call on Recoda chief executive officer Datu Ismawi Ismuni.
The meeting also discussed matters that would pose mutual benefits to both the authority and the chamber.
In his remarks, Salang also acknowledged DCCI’s close cooperation with Sarawak Bumiputera Chamber of Entrepreneurs ( DUBS) and other Bumiputera non- government organisations ( NGOs) in increasing the participation of more Bumiputeras in business, particularly in projects implemented by the government and its agencies.
Ismawi said in view of his long tenure as the director of Sarawak Planning Unit, he was well aware of the problems faced by Bumiputera contractors – listing the supply chains for construction materials and ownership of heavy machinery, as well as financial constraints, as among the ‘greatest handicaps’ for the Bumiputera players.
As such, he said he was keen to see the setting- up of a certain ‘ Bumiputera Policy’ to encourage greater participation by the Bumiputeras in business and commerce.
Notably during the courtesy call, it was agreed that DCCI Works Committee chairman Leonard Martin Uneng would list down the suggestions to overcome the predicaments for the chamber to submit to Recoda and the chief minister.
It is expected that this initiative, together with similar ones undertaken by DUBS and Sarawak Malay Contractor Association ( PKMS), would facilitate the establishment of a meaningful policy slated for ensuring greater and more equitable participation of the Bumiputeras in the business and commercial sector in Sarawak.