MIRI, 17 December 2021 – Sarawak leaders and policymakers should remain focused on bread-and-butter concerns in the immediate to medium term as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect livelihoods, said the Dayak Transformation Association (Pertubuhan Transformasi Dayak) or TRADA today.
TRADA’s statement was made in conjunction with the upcoming Sarawak State General Elections taking place tomorrow (18 December).
Joseph Janting, Founder and President of TRADA, said, “While it is important for state policymakers to plan and invest strategically in initiatives that will spur Sarawak’s long term economic growth, there is an immediate need to alleviate the burden and suffering of individuals and families who have been impacted by the pandemic.”
“In my hometown of Miri, there are many households who cannot make ends meet because their breadwinners have lost their jobs or have to cope with lower incomes. To make matters worse, basic infrastructure in homes and longhouses such as rooftops and lights could not be replaced or repaired because of the lack of funds,” he added.
According to Joseph, his Marudi constituency state assemblyman Datu Dr Penguang anak Manggil, is a good example of a leader who is focused on bread-and-butter issues to get communities back to their feet as quickly as possible. “Datu Dr Penguang has been pro-active in contributing resources and aid as well as going out of the way to help people find jobs,” he added.
Joseph said, “Beyond my constituency, I am sure there are leaders like Datu Dr Penguang. What is critical is that community representatives must be committed to identifying and resolving day-to-day issues, even simple things like food and sustenance or building materials, so that people can recover quickly and move forward.”
“TRADA would also like to see state assembly policymakers come together to address critical problems affecting the lives of everyday Sarawakians including the high price of goods. We believe high prices will lead to an even more serious black market problem,” Joseph explained.
He continued, “Illegal cigarettes problem in Sarawak is one of the highest in the country and illegal alcohol is also easily available in the State. TRADA hopes that the Federal and State governments can work together to ensure that everyday essential goods are not dominated by the black market,” he concluded.
TRADA is a youth and community advocacy group that is focused on uplifting the competitiveness and skill-set of the youth segment in both Sarawak and Sabah
