Alice (seventh left) presents ‘SIDS Indigenous Kitchen Recipe Book’ to Abang Johari as a souvenir as others look on.
SIBU: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved a grant of RM2.6 million for Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) to fund its various programmes.
SIDS received an immediate grant of RM600,000 from the approved RM2.6 million grant.
The chief minister announced the grant on Wednesday during a courtesy call made by SIDS executive committee in Kuching.
SIDS chairwoman Dato Alice Jawan, deputy chairwoman Margaret Bedus, vice chairwoman Cynthia Zehnder, secretary Suzana Koh, assistant secretary Catherine Kechendai and nine committee members were present during the visit.
Alice, who is the permanent secretary to the Ministry of Utilities, said the chief minister shared with them his thoughts on the way forward for women to assist in the enhancement of women participation in the socio-economic development of Sarawak in particular and Malaysia in general.
“The chief minister has expressed his support to us in acquiring the proposed RM2 million Rumah SIDS in Kuching with incubator digitalised facilities to assist Dayak women entrepreneurs enhance their participation in the socio- economic aspects.
“The chief minister was equally intrigued with the proposal to establish Dayak Woman Chair with an estimated grant of RM1 million to be named in honour of SIDS past leader Tan Sri Empiang Jabu.
“I was told to submit a working paper on the proposal and research studies,” Alice added.
During the visit, she briefed the chief minister on SIDS’ vision, mission and objectives.
She especially highlighted the proposed agenda of the new committee to be inclusive in the development of Dayak women in line with the association’s constitution and promote and enhance the participation of Dayak women in economic, social, and cultural activities.