Datuk Peter Minos
KUCHING: The Bidayuh community in Sarawak are groaning under the high cost of living and hoped the government through the Budget 2016 will somehow help in reducing the cost of goods and services.
Kota Samarahan walikota Datuk Peter Minos said that measures to reduce good and services tax (GST) or free all food and drinks from GST would help to ease the burden faced by the people.
“Like all other groups, they definitely seek more funds for basic things like better roads, water, electricity and clinic but reduction of living cost is the most pressing and immediate.
“Let us hope Budget 2016 will not be too painful even though we know it is tough on the government to balance things. People’s current mood is like this… life is now tough; please do not make it harder. Budget 2016 must bear this in mind,” said Minos, who is former president of Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) and now chairman of the Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA).
Meanwhile current DBNA president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik said that relevant community non governmental organisations that had their own community initiatives activities, especially those related to cultural preservation, documentation and socio welfare programmes should be given assistance and funding to pursue their causes in line with the 1Malaysia concept. – BERNAMA