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Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Ad hoc holidays cripple small businesses, says DUBS Miri
Mohammad Hafidz says for many micro and small businesses, such disruptions could directly affect cash flow and the ability to maintain day-to-day operations. MIRI (July 26): The Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) Miri has voiced concern over the declaration of sudden or unplanned public holidays, saying such practices should not become the norm. Its chairman Mohammad Hafidz Rohani, in a statement yesterday, said unannounced holidays such as the additional public holiday on Sept 15 declared by the Federal government could place undue pressure on the business sector, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 'Malaysia already has a relatively high number of public holidays compared to other countries in the region. 'Ad hoc holidays complicate operational planning, disrupt productivity, and increase costs, such as overtime pay and disruptions to production and service schedules,' he said. Mohammad Hafidz added that for many micro and small businesses, such disruptions could directly affect cash flow and the ability to maintain day-to-day operations. According to him, the Employment Act 1955 already provides clear provisions for managing public holidays, including the option to substitute days off as permitted by law. 'Any announcement of additional holidays without formal confirmation through the Government Gazette under the Holidays Act 1951 has the potential to cause confusion among employers and result in unintended legal implications,' he said. While acknowledging that additional holidays might temporarily benefit the tourism sector, he cautioned that their overall economic impact on small traders and entrepreneurs was often 'limited and unsustainable'. 'We (DUBS Miri) fully support the patriotic spirit of Malaysia Day celebrations. 'However, we also urge that love for the nation be demonstrated through initiatives that empower the entrepreneurial sector, recognise the challenges faced by micro and small enterprises, and foster a business environment that is both conducive and sustainable,' he said in the statement. He stressed that local entrepreneurs not only contributed to economic growth and job creation, but also embodied the spirit of independence, dedication, and the determination to build a better future for the country. 'Patriotism should not just be celebrated – it must be protected, understood and given space to grow in tandem with the nation's economy.'
Borneo Post
07-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Barber Takeover 1.0 empowers youth with free professional training
Participants observe a live demonstration by Dilly The Barber during the event on Friday night. MIRI (June 8): The Barber Takeover 1.0 2025 event, running from June 4 until today at the Miri Visitor Information Centre (VIC), features a free barber workshop designed for youth and individuals interested in pursuing a career in professional hairstyling. Organised by Posh Work in collaboration with Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) Miri branch and managed by event coordinator Siti Hawa Sarkawi, the initiative aims to equip participants with both basic and advanced haircutting skills, while also addressing the current shortage of skilled workers in local barbershops. According to Siti Hawa, the workshop offers comprehensive exposure, including modern cutting techniques, hair care, and customer service—all essential skills for those wishing to enter the industry. 'Many young people are interested in this field but don't know where to start. We're providing this platform for free so they can try it out, learn, and be ready to step into the real industry,' she said. In addition to technical training, the programme also plays a role in helping reduce unemployment among local youth. As a strategic partner, DUBS Miri has expressed its commitment to continue supporting such initiatives in an effort to strengthen Bumiputera youth participation in the skills and entrepreneurship sectors. Over the five-day event, attendees are also treated to live demonstrations by professional barbers, hands-on training sessions, and experience-sharing from successful industry players. Barber Takeover 1.0 is seen as a catalyst for empowering youth and advancing the local barbering industry through strategic collaboration between associations, the private sector, and the entrepreneurial community. Barber Takeover community lead Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Don't be rivals with each other, Dayak associations in Kapit told
Ugak (fifth left) beats the gong to officiate the celebration, witnessed by Nanta (centre). KAPIT (May 19): Dayak associations and organisations in Kapit should not compete but cooperate instead with each other when organising events for their community, said Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He said that if any of the organisations were organising the annual Gawai Dayak celebration, the others should give their full support to ensure a successful event. 'In Kapit, we have DUBS (Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak), SDNU (Sarawak Dayak National Union), SIDS (Sarakup Induk Dayak Sarawak), OUNA (Orang Ulu National Association) and so on. 'I am giving this advice (to cooperate) because lately, I have been told there is a bit of rivalry due to jealousy among them in organising Gawai Dayak Dinner, with some not showing a keen interest to cooperate with the organiser. 'My advice is not to have this negative attitude because it is hurting you (associations) more and creating disunity. We want the Dayak community to progress—but if we don't unite, how can we progress?' he said during the 'Pengerami Mata Gawai Dayak Kapit 2025' celebration held at the Kapit Civic Centre on Saturday. Nanta (fourth right) leads the toast for the celebration. Nanta was the patron of the event, which was organised by DUBS Kapit branch and attended by some 800 participants. On this year's Gawai celebration theme 'AI Digital Technology Uplifts Economic Prosperity', he said it was apt as the Dayak community was already aware of and embracing modern technology. 'We are seeing digital technology as part of the vision and promotion of traditional costumes and (Dayak) practices, so it shows we are aware of the need to step forward with the times during this modern era of AI technology.' On a separate matte, Nanta informed that the Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda) on May 14 had organised the Lab Malaysian Plan 13 in Kuching. He said a total of 223 projects, programmes and proposals with an expected cost of over RM20 billion were identified during the Urda Sub-Committee Meeting that was held in conjunction with the lab. 'The lab brought together various stakeholders to discuss in more detail the proposed development projects in the Urda area, which covers Song, Kapit, Bukit Goram and Belaga District and to refine the scope and cost of the shortlisted projects so they are in line with the real needs of the rural folk.' Also present was Digital Deputy Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, a political secretary to the Premier Watson Awan Jalai, who was the event's organising chairman, and Kapit Resident Elvis Didit. alexander nanta linggi Dayak associations event organisers lead rivalry
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Don't be rivals with each other, Dayak assocs in Kapit told
Ugak (fifth left) beats the gong to officiate the celebration, witnessed by Nanta (centre). KAPIT (May 19): Dayak associations and organisations in Kapit should not compete but cooperate instead with each other when organising events for their community, said Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He said that if any of the organisations were organising the annual Gawai Dayak celebration, the others should give their full support to ensure a successful event. 'In Kapit, we have DUBS (Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak), SDNU (Sarawak Dayak National Union), SIDS (Sarakup Induk Dayak Sarawak), OUNA (Orang Ulu National Association) and so on. 'I am giving this advice (to cooperate) because lately, I have been told there is a bit of rivalry due to jealousy among them in organising Gawai Dayak Dinner, with some not showing a keen interest to cooperate with the organiser. 'My advice is not to have this negative attitude because it is hurting you (associations) more and creating disunity. We want the Dayak community to progress—but if we don't unite, how can we progress?' he said during the 'Pengerami Mata Gawai Dayak Kapit 2025' celebration held at the Kapit Civic Centre on Saturday. Nanta (fourth right) leads the toast for the celebration. Nanta was the patron of the event, which was organised by DUBS Kapit branch and attended by some 800 participants. On this year's Gawai celebration theme 'AI Digital Technology Uplifts Economic Prosperity', he said it was apt as the Dayak community was already aware of and embracing modern technology. 'We are seeing digital technology as part of the vision and promotion of traditional costumes and (Dayak) practices, so it shows we are aware of the need to step forward with the times during this modern era of AI technology.' On a separate matte, Nanta informed that the Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda) on May 14 had organised the Lab Malaysian Plan 13 in Kuching. He said a total of 223 projects, programmes and proposals with an expected cost of over RM20 billion were identified during the Urda Sub-Committee Meeting that was held in conjunction with the lab. 'The lab brought together various stakeholders to discuss in more detail the proposed development projects in the Urda area, which covers Song, Kapit, Bukit Goram and Belaga District and to refine the scope and cost of the shortlisted projects so they are in line with the real needs of the rural folk.' Also present was Digital Deputy Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, a political secretary to the Premier Watson Awan Jalai, who was the event's organising chairman, and Kapit Resident Elvis Didit. alexander nanta linggi Dayak associations event organisers lead rivalry
