By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 28: The Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) is calling on the Sarawak government to establish an inclusive framework that gives indigenous communities a formal role in the State’s growing carbon trading sector, saying those who have safeguarded the forests for generations should also share in the economic benefits they generate.
Its president, Dato Allan Keripin Nangkai, said affected indigenous communities should not merely be consulted, but be recognised as strategic partners in carbon-related initiatives through participation in governance, capacity building and benefit-sharing.
“On behalf of DCCI and the wider Dayak business community, I appeal to the Sarawak government to consider establishing an inclusive framework that enables affected indigenous communities to share in the economic benefits generated from carbon trading initiatives.
“Such participation should not be viewed as assistance. Rather, it is recognition of the invaluable role indigenous communities have played in preserving Sarawak’s natural capital,” he said when speaking at the 17th Joint DCCI–KCCI Gawai Kaamatan Celebration 2026 gala dinner held at Unifor Complex here tonight.
Allan further proposed that indigenous institutions, including DCCI, the Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OUCCI) and representatives from affected communities, be engaged as strategic partners in consultation, governance, capacity building and benefit-sharing initiatives related to carbon projects.
He said such an approach would embody the aspirations of the Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) by promoting economic prosperity, an inclusive society and environmental sustainability.
Allan noted that the Dayak people have long been custodians of Sarawak’s forests, protecting and preserving ecosystems long before sustainability and carbon credits became global priorities.
“For many Dayak communities, the forests are more than natural resources. They are our ancestral heritage. They are our source of livelihood. They are deeply intertwined with our culture, traditions and identity,” he said.
He said it is therefore fair and reasonable that communities living in and around these forest ecosystems be allowed to participate directly and benefit meaningfully from carbon trading and carbon-related projects undertaken within their traditional areas.
While expressing DCCI’s full support for the Sarawak government’s vision to position the State as a leader in carbon markets, renewable energy and the green economy, Allan stressed that carbon trading should generate opportunities beyond the corporate sector.
“Carbon trading must not become an opportunity enjoyed only by corporations and investors. It must also become a vehicle for uplifting rural and indigenous communities.
“It must create opportunities for our young people. It must generate new indigenous enterprises. It must strengthen local economies. And it must leave behind a legacy of shared prosperity for future generations,” he said.
He added that the Dayak community stands ready to learn, participate, invest and become partners in Sarawak’s green economy.
“If oil and gas helped define the economy of the twentieth century, carbon, sustainability and the green economy may well define the twenty-first.
“Let us therefore ensure that indigenous communities are not merely spectators of this transformation but recognised partners and beneficiaries in building a greener, more prosperous and more inclusive Sarawak,” he said.
The gala dinner was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Also present were the Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam; Federal Works Minister Dato Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi; Federal National Unity Minister Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang; Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai; former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang; Yayasan Tun Jugah chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah; Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president Datuk Ladislaus Maluda; and the event’s organising chairman Kilat Beriak. — DayakDaily
