Many Dayak NGOs working to bring Dayaks on par with other races — Pemansang Dayak Kuching branch
MIRI: Many Dayak nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) are seeking ways to bridge the socio- economic gap between the Dayak community and others races in the country.
Pemansang Dayak (PD) Kuching chairman Valentine Tani said this is to ensure that Dayaks are not left behind in terms of economic, employment and education opportunities.
“To achieve PD’s vision and mission, efforts must be implemented in stages.
“These efforts must be accompanied with sincerity of all parties, including from all other Dayak NGOs, so that we can continue to move forward towards progress,” stressed Valentine.
PD treasurer Nixon Gerenang, meanwhile, urged Dayaks to support traders and others providing businesses and services from their community so that they can develop and progress together.
“For example, we can start by buying goods from members of our own community, as a show of support. This includes buying fresh vegetables from small-time Dayak traders in the ‘ tamu’,” he said.
PD head of business affairs, Luke Antas, expressed his concern on the low involvement of Dayaks in entrepreneurship.
“I would like to urge agencies related to entrepreneurship and business to provide more opportunities for Dayaks to venture into the world of business.
“This includes providing guidance, courses as well as business opportunities to help the community develop and be on par with other races and communities in the country,” he said.
He added that PD was aware that efforts were being made to help the Dayak community to develop further, but they would take time to bear results.
“All these efforts will take time, but at the same time it will provide many business and job opportunities that can help strengthen the economy of the Dayak community,” he said further.