BETONG, Feb 3: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has praised Biro Wanita (Women’s Bureau) members, especially those in Betong, for being very loyal supporters of the government since day one.
“I owe a lot to them, in this respect. They have given me unwavering support ever since,” he said before launching the Biro Wanita of Rumah Linggie Keling in Sungai Langit near here on Saturday.
Uggah, in a statement, said there were 94 Biro Wanita in his state constituency of Bukit Saban, and the members are now learning embroidery, tailoring and cake making.
“I hope they will use these skills to generate income for themselves and their families all year round. It is also my hope that they will continue to preserve our culture like the ‘ngajat’, traditional bead work and others.”
Uggah described Biro Wanita as a practical organisation to have in a longhouse because, first and foremost, they can contribute positively to the overall well-being and welfare of longhouse dwellers.
He said in times of grief, they would be there to make the burden lighter for the grieving, and in times of joy, they would be there to add to the happiness.
“It is also their stand to always be very supportive of the government’s effort to help rural folk. They will show much commitment towards such efforts. The women are, as well, strong keepers of inter-longhouse unity, co-operation, ties and harmony.
“They, thus, contribute to the nation-building process.”
At the function, Uggah, accompanied by his wife, Datin Amar Doreen Mayang, announced a grant of RM5,500 to Rumah Linggie’s Biro Wanita.
He also announced another grant of RM200,000 to construct a retaining wall to protect the 37-door longhouse from possible hill erosion.
During the function, Doreen was surprised with a belated birthday cake by the Biro Wanita. — DayakDaily
