BETONG: “Biro Wanita” (Women’s Bureau) is a very functional organisation to have in a longhouse.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said, first and foremost, it contributed positively to the overall well-being and welfare of the longhouse dwellers.
He pointed this out when he launched the Biro Wanita of Rumah Linggie Keling at Sungai Langit near here yesterday.
“The ‘Biro Wanita’ members would be there in time of joy or grief, doing all they could to lighten the burden of those in grief or add merriment and joy to those who have cause to celebrate.
“It is also their stand and commitment to always support the government’s effort to help the rural folk.
“The women members are also strong supporters of inter-longhouse unity, co-operation, ties and harmony which indirectly contributed to the nation-building process,” he said, adding that the women would also help in each other’s activities in order to pass on or learn new skills.
“In this way, they can acquire new ideas to generate more income for themselves and for their respective longhouses. In politics too, they had proven themselves to be very loyal supporters of the government.
“I owe a lot to them in this respect. They have given me unwavering support ever since,” he said.
Uggah also disclosed that his Bukit Saban state constituency has 94 such bureaus.
“The members are now learning embroidery and tailoring besides cake-making.
“I hope they will use the knowledge and skills acquired to generate income for themselves and their families throughout the year.
“It is also my hope that they will continue to preserve our culture like the “ngajat” dance, traditional beadworks and others,” he said.
At the function, Uggah accompanied by his wife Datin Amar Doreen Mayang announced a grant of RM5,500 to the women’s bureau of the longhouse.
He also announced another grant of RM200,000 for the construction of a retaining wall behind the longhouse to prevent soil erosion from a hill.
During the function the longhouse women’s bureau presented Doreen with a belated birthday celebration.
