By DayakDaily Team
BALAI RINGIN, June 16: The Sarawak government has approved an allocation of RM55 million to upgrade Balai Ringin town in a comprehensive effort to enhance infrastructure and stimulate rural economic growth.
According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the project tender is expected to be called by the end of this year.
He described the development as a new chapter for Balai Ringin, which is experiencing rapid progress.
Snowdan, who is also Balai Ringin assemblyman, made the announcement during the closing ceremony of the Balai Ringin Gawai Dayak Arts and Culture Festival organised by the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) Balai Ringin branch on Saturday (June 14).
In his speech, he also expressed strong support for efforts to preserve and promote Dayak cultural heritage.
“I hold high hopes that this legacy will continue so that our traditions and original culture are not lost to time. This should be made an annual iconic event for Balai Ringin,” he said.
In line with that vision, Snowdan announced that the next edition of the festival will be held at the Balai Ringin Mini Stadium, which is currently in its final phase of construction and is expected to be completed and officiated on June 28, 2025.
The stadium has also received a ‘World Athletics Certification’, earning it global recognition and establishing it as a new landmark for the area.
To further encourage the promotion of arts and culture, Snowdan also announced an additional allocation of RM20,000 for the PVATM Balai Ringin branch.
Also present at the event were PVATM Balai Ringin chairman Latif Rimsad, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) deputy permanent secretary representative Barry Lian, Sarawak Department of Arts and Culture director Noor Seela Noor Sulaiman, Serian Division Resident’s Office representative Mohamad Rasdan Hazemi, and Serian District Office representative Natasha Tiong Nulie. — DayakDaily
