DBNA Serian to have new community centre, says minister

KUCHING (July 20): A new community centre for the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Serian branch will be built in Serian town.

Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the centre, which would cost about RM4.3 million, would be constructed on a 0.58 acre land opposite Serian Hospital and is expected to be completed in 15 months.

“The funds are from the state government grant, approved by the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the time when Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong served as the then-Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research and Tebedu assemblyman.

“We hope this building can be completed within 15 months for the use of the people in Serian. This (community centre) is for DBNA Serian branch.

“But of course, this is not only for the Bidayuhs — anybody can also use this building, of course with some fees for maintenance and service,” he said when met by reporters after officiating an earthbreaking ceremony for the community centre.

Earlier in his speech, the Tarat assemblyman expressed his hope the building can be put to good use.

He said DBNA Serian should liaise with the relevant authorities as well as educational institutions such as the Serian Industrial Training Institute (ILP) to conduct roadshows for the youths to showcase what courses are offered at ILP Serian.

Having pointed out the centre should be utilised by everyone, he added small courses involving business owners can be held there with a small fee to ensure the building can be fully maintained.

“A building of this nature is not cheap to maintain. Even a house in a village can crumble if it is not maintained. When maintenance is in the picture, it means we have to find sources of income.

“That being the case, I hope you (DBNA Serian) can put the building to good use — carry out more courses with relevant authorities, especially small courses. We can also carry out courses on education, especially on new and innovative ways to think about the future of our generation.

“ Our Premier has always talked about artificial intelligence, so that is something for DBNA Serian to think about,” he said.

Among those present were Manyin, who is DBNA advisor, Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem and Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada.