SIBU: Members of Sarawak Dayak Women Federation (Serakup Indu Dayak Sarawak or SIDS) have been urged to turn their “pua kumbu” (hand-woven traditional textile) weaving skill into business.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this was because the “pua kumbu” had great appeal and potentials in the world haute culture.
“Let not your ‘Pua Kumbu’ remain as just a cultural heritage. Exploit its potentials for income. Promote it on the Internet or e- commerce sites,” he said when he was guest of honour at Sibu Division pre-Gawai dinner here on Sunday.
“Set up your supply chain and work out your marketing networks,” he said.
Uggah, who is also Agriculture Modernisation, Native Land and Regional Development the Minister, said his ministry was always ready to support them.
He was very happy with SIDS Sibu branch under the leadership of Datuk Alice Jawan for having started Pua Kumbu-making classes followed by a competition to seek out the best weaver.
He said this would ensure the long-term survival, further development and refinement of the Iban fine art.
He also called on SIDS and Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) members to consider venturing into modern precision farming.
“We must take advantage of the huge land that we have. The government is now transforming our agricultural sector. There are many programmes that we can use,” he said.
“Those interested could talk to my ministry. We can have further discussions on organising the relevant training courses and building up the supply chain.
“We must take advantage of the many programmes as the state government aims to make the state a net food exporter by 2030,” he said.
Touching on the coming Gawai Dayak celebration, Uggah said it was a uniting factor for the Dayaks irrespective of their religions or origins.
“We have very colourful cultures developed over time and are still being preserved today. This is a pride for us all,” he said.
He added that the celebration was an opportune time for young Dayaks to know their own culture which they could continue to the next generation.
Uggah also considered it a golden opportunity for the Dayaks to show their colourful culture to the nation and the world beyond.
“We are contributing to Malaysia’s rich multi-ethnic culture. Let us, during the celebration, not just dwell on petty issues.
“Let us learn to find out how we can bring progress to our community so that we can move alongside other more advanced communities,” he said.
At the function he announced a grant totalling RM50,000 for Sibu SIDS.
Also chipping in were Kapit member of parliament Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi who gave RM10,000, while Nangka and Bukit Goram state assemblymen Dr Annuar Rapaiee and Jefferson Jamit gave RM5,000 each.
The night culminated in a “Kumang Gawai” contest with nine contestants taking part.
Olivia Gundi was crowned the “Kumang” with Gloria Malong and Wati Assan in second and third places, respectively.
