Jabu (seated) given a special welcome in the Kayan tradition called ‘parap’ on stage. Also seen are Roselyn (second left) and Lihan (right).
KUCHING: Sarawak will be able to export temperate fruits and vegetables in the next five to 10 years, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang.
Like the Cameron Highlands in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah’s Ranau and Kundasang, the highland of upper Baram has the altitude and temperature, and thus the potential to produce temperate fruits and vegetables.
“We foresee that production from the peninsula will decrease and this is peak potential for Sarawak to develop for all these temperate vegetables and sub-temperate fruits. We will produce lots of these and we will be exporting our local fruits and vegetables to the peninsula,” said Jabu at the Kayan Women Sarawak Association Pesta Lunau Kayan celebration on Friday night at a hotel here.
With the potential of planting and exporting temperate fruits and vegetables, it will not only help the country’s economy but also generate extra income for the Kayan community.
“We will continue to focus on rural development, thus continue to help the Kayan community so that they will not be left behind.”
Jabu also called on the Kayans to work together among themselves and also with other races to maintain racial harmony in the state.
Earlier, Pesta Lunau Kayan chief advisor Senator Lihan Jok said the festival celebrates a bountiful paddy harvest, and also marks the end of the Kayan calendar.
It is also a way for the Kayan community to remember their roots.
“In the advent of globalisation, it has brought negative impact as some of the younger Kayans cannot speak their own language anymore. To maintain its identity, this celebration can be the way to showcase the culture to the younger generation.”
Meanwhile, association chairperson Roselyn Lah said this was the second Pesta Lunau Kayan celebration. Last year, it was held in Miri.
She hopes that the event will become an annual one like the Bisaya, Kelabit and Lun Bawang.
At the event, Jabu also announced grant of RM10,000 to the association.