PADAWAN: The Bidayuh community must learn to look for opportunities to take part in the state’s economy growth.
Transport Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil assured that there will be an abundance of opportunities in the state as planned by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg including the oil and gas industry among others.
“Sarawak is going to be a major player in the country’s economic growth. But where do the Bidayuh fit in these?” he asked.
“We cannot just stand and stare at these opportunities. We must create opportunities for ourselves so when the time comes, we will be prepared,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the closing of the Penrissen Bidayuh Entrepreneur Association (PUBP) entrepreneurship programme at St Paul Church Kampung Bunuk’s Parish Hall in Jalan Puncak Borneo, here on Saturday (Dec 19).
Citing an example, he said the completion of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) headquarters together with a new community hostel in Kuching will also provide opportunities for the Bidayuh to tap into.
“There will be opportunities to take part in hospitality, tourism, food supply and many others through this,” he said.
He added that the shifting of Indonesia’s capital to Kalimantan would also provide opportunities in the agricultural sector through export of food items to the neighbouring country.
The Mambong assemblyman also assured that the state government will provide the necessary infrastructure to allow the people to take part in entrepreneurship through the various opportunities present.
“But if we (the Bidayuh) are not prepared, untrained and not willing to take the first step, we will be left behind,” he said.
