By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, Aug 17: Mambong assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil commended the effort to set up various Bidayuh associations to further propel the community to greater heights.
This, he said, was because the associations will then become bigger platforms to address various issues affecting the community in tandem with development and changes.
“From traditions and culture of the Bidayuh, improving socio-economic wellbeing, land matters, unity and even politics, the associations have a big role to play.
“So the formation of the various associations of the Bidayuh is very much welcome to resolve the issues affecting and faced by the community,” Dr Jerip, who is Assistant Minister of Transport said yesterday.
He was speaking at the closing of the Persatuan Bisitang protem committe meeting at Kpg Bangau Community Hall, along Jalan Borneo Heights near here.
The association with 12 villages under it, was registered in July this year with the Registrar of Societies.
Dr Jerip pointed out that there are already several Bidayuh associations like Persatuan Biperoh Kuching, Persatuan Bra’ang Kuching, and Persatuan Biannah, amongst others.
This, he said, augurs well for the community, and called for cooperation from all the associations.
Touching on land matters, Dr Jerip called on the associations to work closely with Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) for the surveying of land both under Section 6 and 18 of the Sarawak Land Code.
At the same time, he also reminded the associations to assist with the agricultural activities of the various villages under them.
“Another very important subject that the associations must properly dwell on is education to enable our Bidayuh to enjoy a better future,” Dr Jerip stressed.
He later announced a grant of RM20,000 for Persatuan Bisitang to kickstart its activities. — DayakDaily
