The Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) will have its own building, dubbed as Pangau Dayak or Dayak Palace, in Kuching soon.

Deputy Chief Minister Douglas Uggah (above), who is also DCF's chairman, said the state government had provided a piece of land at Ong Tiang Swee Road for the construction of the nine-storey building.

“Currently, it is already at the site levelling stage,” he said in his speech at the closing of the two-day inaugural 'Iban Ngepan Symposium' in Kuching last night.

Uggah said, when completed, the building would have ample space to exhibit the Bidayuh, Iban and Orang Ulu's traditional costumes.

"We will also use it to organise courses, seminars and training. This is the way forward for DCF in its efforts to preserve, develop and enhance the traditional costumes. It will be a source of pride and honour to the Dayaks," he said.

On another matter, Uggah said the Dayak community should explore and exploit opportunities in the handicraft business.

"The state government is now looking at various income streams from rural areas. Handicrafts is the one with the most potential," he said.

For the record, he said that last year the state handicraft industry recorded sales totalling RM30.5 million, while for this year up till May, it had recorded sales totalling RM13.6 million.

"This indicates the industry has excellent opportunity to generate income. We need to work out strategies to enhance the development, including the supply chain. We need to look for new technology to produce not only quantity, but  quality as well.

"Among very popular handicrafts are the Iban's 'Pua Kumbu' or woven blanket, and beads," he said, hoping in the next symposium the organisers could include a session on the industry.

During the function, Uggah also announced an initial grant of RM50,000 to hold next year’s symposium for which Local Government Assistant Minister Penguang Mangil, has agreed to be its organising chairman.

- Bernama