SDNU asked to work with ministry on rural economy

KUCHING: The Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) has been asked to collaborate with the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas called on SDNU to work on programmes that could improve the economy of rural areas.

“Work on a programme and get in touch with the ministry. The government also needs more feedback to ensure the improvement of rural economy,” he said during the SDNU Samarahan fourth anniversary dinner on Friday.

Uggah pointed out that there are many government programmes offering loans and facilities for entrepreneurs.

He also urged SDNU members to venture into the digital economy.

“Now that we are working towards 2030 to become a developed state, we want to close the income gap among Sarawakians,” he said.

The Bukit Saban assemblyman also praised SDNU’s efforts to preserve Dayak culture such as programmes on Ngajat and Berpantun.

“I applaud the SDNU’s efforts to promote our culture. If we do not teach our culture to our children, it will be lost,” he said.

Uggah also announced a grant of RM30,000 for SDNU Samarahan and RM5,000 for Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Samarahan.

SDNU Samarahan has some 550 members.

Uggah (front third right) and his wife Datin Amar Doreen Mayang (front second right) join the cake-cutting ceremony. SDNU Samarahan chairman Henry Banyan is at front second left.