‘Why should rural children pay the price for distant libraries?’: Tamin rep demands better access

Tamin assemblyman Ir Christopher Gira Sambang. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (Japen)

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Oct 13: Children in Tamin and Selangau should have equal access to books and learning materials regardless of where they live, says Tamin assemblyman Ir Christopher Gira Sambang.

He called on the Sarawak State Library to introduce regular mobile library visits, reading corners in community halls and longhouses, and offline learning materials for areas with unreliable internet connectivity.

Speaking during the debate on the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) today, Christopher also proposed digital literacy classes to help rural communities identify reliable information, recognise online scams and use digital tools safely.

“The State Library should work with schools and community leaders to organise regular activities and provide a changing selection of books to encourage children to read. Digital services should complement these efforts, particularly in areas where internet connectivity remains unreliable,” he said.

He also urged the State Library to work with community leaders, schools and cultural organisations in Tamin and Selangau to document rural histories and preserve traditional knowledge.

“Interviews with elders, old photographs and family records can become valuable resources for future generations. However, this work must be carried out with the consent of those involved, while respecting their wishes regarding private or sensitive information,” he said.

Christopher also called for the preservation of original records relating to Sarawak’s constitutional history, the formation of Malaysia and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He said historical facts should be verified, sources documented and differing accounts presented fairly to maintain public trust in the archives.

The Bill empowers the State Library to establish, manage and maintain memorial archives commemorating people, events and other aspects of history.

The assemblyman said the archives should recognise contributions from all communities, including ordinary people who helped develop villages and longhouses.

He also called for more training for Sarawakian librarians and archivists, and transparent reporting on outreach programmes and historical collections preserved. —DayakDaily