SDNU Menoa Kapit engages rural communities during Chinese New Year

KAPIT (Feb 21): The local branch of Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) made full use of the Chinese New Year holidays to connect with the rural communities across this district.

The programme, which was run by the Menoa Kapit (Kapit District) chapter of the union, involved around 400 representatives of 20 longhouses in seven zones: Sut in Antaroh; the lower and upper parts of Baleh in Bukit Mabong District; the lower Rejang; lower and upper parts of Pelagus; and Nanga Merit in Kapit District.

The 18-door Rumah Undi Langku at Sungai Bena in Sut was made as the venue.

In his talk, SDNU Menoa Kapit chairman Dr Layang Ugek highlighted the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) Sarawak already running beginning this year; the SDNU Memorial Park at KM7 of Jalan Antaroh; and the union’s membership drive.

On the first subject, he regarded it as a golden opportunity for students from low- income families to attain higher education without worrying too much about the costs.

“The eligible students should apply for placements at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and i-CATS University College in Kuching, Curtin University Malaysia in Miri, University of Technology Sarawak in Sibu.

“Strive to find out more information about these institutions and the courses that are in line with FTES requirements,” he said.

On a relevant matter, Layang announced that SDNU had adopted Rumah Undi for the 2026-2027 term, through which the union would provide incentives to eligible students from the longhouse to continue their studies after secondary school.

“Those pursuing university degree should get RM500 each; those set for matriculation, diploma and polytechnic studies, RM300 each; while those going for skills certificate, RM200 each.”

On the memorial Park, Layang introduced the committee members tasked with managing the facility.

During his presentation, he took the opportunity to thank the longhouse chieftain Undi Langku and its village security and development committee (JKKK) for giving their full support towards making this roadshow a success.

“My thanks also go to Works Minister and Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi; Deputy Digital Minister and Hulu Rejang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong; and also Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) and Bukit Goram assemblyman Datuk Jefferson Jamit for always helping the SDNU,” he added.