KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced an allocation of RM50,000 to Sarawak Kayan Women Association (PWKS) during Lunau Kayan Festival 2017 dinner gathering held at Imperial Hotel here, on Monday night.
In his keynote address, Johari said that he would like to appoint community leaders for urban areas from the Kayan and Orang Ulu community.
“Just like in Kuching, we already have appointed Temenggung from the Iban community,” he stated.
He added that the State Government will also focus on research and development (R&D) including biodiversity and biotechnology.
“As the Kayan are traditionally well-versed with the rich and useful biodiversity resources in the highland areas, I urge the community to aggressively participate in eco-tourism, modern agriculture and medicinal sectors.
“I am confident that with the government’s policy, it can enhance the traditional economy to the digital economy and it will surely benefit the highlands society including the Kayan,” he pointed out.
He also reminded diners of the state’s other major plans, including the setting up of the RM30 million digital village aimed at producing young technopreneurs while the Highland Development Agency aimed at tapping the rich biodiversity resources and elevate the socio-economic status of the rural people.
Apart from that, Johari stressed that he will look for another RM1 billion if the first RM1 billion allocation he pledged earlier is not enough to finance the development of Internet connectivity in Sarawak.
“I will not stop to get this Internet connectivity without buffering throughout Sarawak. So let me be your Internet warrior.
“High and real-time speed in Internet connection is also needed in the rural areas and once people are connected via the Internet they may then be able to share a wealth of information effectively,” he said in what appeared to be a counter statement against his critics and those who are cynical about his ICT development plan.
Also present were Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, Sarawak Kayan Association Chairman Dennis Ngau, PWKS Chairman Roselyn Lah as well as other state cabinet ministers.
