Mohamad Anis (second from left) presenting a souvenir to Abdullah at the closing of the ‘Fiesta Jom Adik Kakak’ event.
SIBU Melanau Association has been asked to focus its attention on youth development programmes.
“I encourage the association to direct its future activities toward empowering its younger members,” said Sarawak Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
He said the association needed to place more emphasis on human capital development not only among youths in the community, but also those within the organisation.
Abdullah, who is Semop assemblyman, proposed proactive measures such as career development programmes and entrepreneurship workshops to assist unemployed members.
“The association should also establish a database of Melanau students at universities, detailing their courses and financial challenges.
“If financial issues arise, they can look to agencies like Yayasan Sarawak for assistance,” he said.
Abdullah was speaking to reporters at the closing of the “Fiesta Jom Adik Kakak” event. Also present was Sibu Melanau Association chairman Mohamad Anis Ili.
Abdullah also said that the association could act as an information and innovation hub for its members, working with other agencies to organise useful programmes.
“For example, the association could disseminate information about state government initiatives such as the RM1,200 pocket money for students, announced in the last state budget,” he said.
“Additionally, the association could partner with organisations like Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) to invite successful young icons such as digital entrepreneurs to inspire the younger generation.”
Regarding the association’s appeal for its building to be recognised as a heritage site, Abdullah advised it to draft a proposal with supporting documents attached.
“There is an Arts, Culture and Heritage Facilitation Fund under Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry Sarawak, led by Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, which can be used for such initiatives,” he added.
