By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 19: Kapit should be elevated as a centre for efforts to uphold the customs and culture of the Dayak community, especially the Iban, in the State, says its MP, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said this is because many of the Iban customs and cultural practices originated and flourished in Kapit, and that this effort will not only help preserve these traditions but also drive initiatives to promote the Dayak culture more broadly.
“This will indirectly foster the emergence of entrepreneurs who can further stimulate industries related to customs and culture,” he said in a Facebook post following a Gawai Dayak programme he attended at the Kapit Civic Centre recently.
Speaking on the event, he reminded the 1,500 attendees to continue maintaining harmony and unity among the various ethnic communities in Kapit and throughout Sarawak.
Most importantly, he said, continued support for all leaders and elected representatives in Kapit is crucial for political continuity, which would allow development to proceed smoothly.
“Although Kapit is still ‘thirsty’ for development—particularly in terms of road connectivity and other basic infrastructure—I urged the residents to be patient and continue working together,” he said.
Nanta, who is also the Works Minister, said among the major ongoing projects for the area are the construction of a nine-storey hotel, the development of Dataran Bujang Berani and the Kapit Waterfront, and the MARA Professional College at Nanga Yong, in which the groundbreaking ceremony will take place soon.
“In addition, to meet public demand and address community concerns, the government has begun construction of a road from Nanga Semaram directly to the other side of Nanga Yong, followed by a bridge over the Batang Rajang to Nanga Yong.
“This road will not only serve as an access route for residents travelling to towns such as Sibu and Kanowit, but will also significantly boost various socio-economic activities—ultimately improving the standard of living for the people,” he said. — DayakDaily
