By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 9: The Baruk building at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) headquarters in Jalan Kumpang here will be transformed into the Bidayuh Heritage Gallery under a RM1.5 million allocation from the Sarawak government.
Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the proposed gallery is among key cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening Bidayuh heritage preservation and community development.
He also said a committee under the DBNA executive council (Exco) has been formed to oversee the project and is currently engaging with the Sarawak Museum Department on its implementation.
“We have a committee in the DBNA Exco, and they have been holding discussions with the Museum Department on how it should be done.
“We expect it to be completed in 2027,” he said when officiating the opening of DBNA’s 11th Triennial General Assembly (TGA) 2026 at the DBNA headquarters last night (May 8).
Sagah, who is also DBNA advisor and Prima Bidayuh, said several other developments are also taking shape in Bidayuh-majority areas, including a building project in Serian and another in Bau.
He noted that the Serian project is progressing and hinted at plans for a community celebration upon its completion, while the Bau building is expected to be officiated next month.
“These are strategic areas which we will be able to see developing in DBNA areas,” he added.
However, he reminded that not all DBNA branches should expect new building allocations, stressing the need for careful planning and strategic purpose.
“Don’t let every branch start asking for buildings. It must be something strategic, something that will be of use and also generate income for you,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
