KUCHING: Dayak politicians, representatives, and NGOs must collaborate urgently to prevent recurring longhouse fires, said Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan.
The Universiti Putra Malaysia political scientist noted that the Dayak community has the expertise to address this issue but needs to prioritise it more effectively.
“Dayak politicians and representatives must reassess their priorities. Their constituencies largely comprise longhouses, and it’s time for them to demonstrate their worth by addressing this pressing issue,” Dr Jayum said in a statement today (Oct 4).
He urged social and non-governmental agencies like the Dayak Cultural Foundation, Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tun Jugah Foundation, Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak, Sarawak Dayak National Union, Sarawak Dayak Graduate Association, and others to unite and mobilise efforts to prevent longhouse fires.
Longhouse fires often destroy entire homes, leaving residents without insurance and facing significant financial hardship. Unlike urban dwellers with insured homes, longhouse residents lose everything in fire and become reliant on handouts.
Dr Jayum also criticised the tendency of local representatives to offer short-term assistance without addressing the root causes of longhouse fires.
“It’s regrettable that authorities have failed to address this issue. Frequent longhouse fires leave residents homeless, poor, and dependent on pittance and token handouts from local representatives and some social non-governmental organisations,” he lamented.
He urged Dayak politicians to prioritise their communities’ safety before focusing on broader issues like green energy and climate change.
“Their effectiveness should be measured by how well they take care of their people, especially in ensuring safe living conditions in longhouses,” he added.
