DCCI: Give Dayak communities stake in carbon profits

KUCHING (March 30): The Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has called for Dayak communities living near Sarawak’s forests to be given a direct stake in carbon trading projects, in line with the state’s push towards a green economy.

DCCI president Datuk Allan Keripin Nangkai said the proposal was in response to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s call for Dayak communities to tap into their natural resources for sustainable economic value, including carbon trading.

At its 24th annual general meeting (AGM) on Saturday, Keripin said DCCI had unanimously passed resolutions urging the Sarawak government to allocate a fair share of profits or revenues from carbon trading activities to Dayak communities residing in forest and jungle areas.

“Where carbon trading activities become specific projects in areas where the Dayak communities are physically and closely domiciled, we support their direct and meaningful participation in the carbon trading,” he said in a statement following the AGM.

“DCCI’s humble request herein is in furtherance of the spirit of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 pillars of Economic Prosperity, Inclusive Society, and Environmental Sustainability; thereby contributing towards the sustainable development of the well-being of the Dayak communities.”

Among the resolutions was also a recommendation to establish a governing body comprising local indigenous business chambers such as DCCI and the Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OUCCI), along with representatives from affected Dayak communities, to oversee the distribution of revenues.

Keripin stressed that Dayak communities have long maintained a custodial relationship with forest ecosystems, relying on them for farming, foraging, and fishing, while also holding deep cultural and emotional ties to the land.

“DCCI shall forthwith write to seek the Premier’s advice and consideration towards the realisation of these requests and objectives,” he said.

Meanwhile, the AGM saw Keripin returned unopposed as DCCI president.

Also re-elected were deputy president Kilat Beriak, secretary general Libat Langub, and treasurer Ambrose Jirat.

The AGM was also attended by DCCI advisors including Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah, Dato Sri Joseph Salang, and Datuk Leonard Martin Uning.

At the pre-AGM dinner on Friday, Keripin revealed that DCCI membership had grown by 21 per cent from 852 in April 2023 to 1,030 members as of April this year.

He described the increase as a clear sign of the chamber’s growing relevance and appeal to Dayak entrepreneurs.

“Today, DCCI is no longer just a chamber—it is becoming a recognised economic voice, actively engaging with government agencies, industry players, and even international stakeholders,” he said.

At the same time, he called for greater Dayak participation in sectors such as technology, green economy, healthcare, and creative industries.