Offer Iban language, schools urged

SCHOOLS in Sarawak with a sizable number of Iban students are told to offer Iban language classes.

“We hope the schools can open Iban language classes if they have enough students to study the subject,” said Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu chairman Chambai Lindong.

He was speaking at the Pupil Academic Excellence Programme (Pocem) in the Iban Language subject for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students.

Chambai wanted the government to hire trained Iban language teachers to conduct these classes.

“This is in line with SDNU Sibu’s mission to defend our nation’s heritage.”

On Pocem, he hoped participants would take advantage of the programme to gain knowledge on the subject’s examination format.

Pocem was organised by SDNU Sibu in collaboration with the Sibu and Kanowit district education offices with the theme “Jaku Lati, Bansa Pegari”.

A total of 167 students and 20 teachers from 11 secondary schools participated in the programme, held at SMK Sungai Merah.