Dayak foundation to get own building in Kuching

KUCHING: The Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) will have its own building called Pangau Dayak or Dayak Palace in the Kuching city area soon.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, who is also its chairman, said the state government had provided a piece of land at Ong Tiang Swee Road for the construction of the nine-storey building.

“It is already at the site-levelling stage,” he said in his speech at the closing of the two-day inaugural Iban Ngepan Symposium here on Saturday night.

Uggah said the building would have ample space to exhibit the traditional costumes of the Bidayuh, Iban and Orang Ulu when it is completed.

“We will also use it to organise courses, seminars and trainings. This is the way forward for DCF in its efforts to preserve, develop and enhance the traditional costumes. It will be a source of pride and honour to the Dayak,” he said.

On another matter, Uggah said the Dayak community should explore and exploit opportunities in the handicraft business.

“The state government is now looking at various income streams from rural areas. The handicraft is one with the most potential,” he said.

For the record, he said that last year, the state handicraft industry recorded sales totalling RM30.5mil, while for this year up till May, it had already recorded sales of about RM13.6mil.

“This indicates the industry has an excellent opportunity to generate income. We need to work out strategies to enhance the development, including the supply chain.

“We need to look for new technology to produce not only the quantity but the quality as well,” he said.

“Among the very popular handicraft are the Iban’s pua kumbu or woven blanket and the beads.”

During the function, Uggah also announced an initial grant of RM50,000 for next year’s symposium in which Local Government Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, who was present, agreed to be its organising chairman.

This is the way forward for DCF in its efforts to preserve, develop and enhance the traditional costumes.

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah