By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 25: Residents of Kampung Ensebang Padang Bilun, Balai Ringin, Serian can now look forward to using their new community hall for gatherings and celebrations, which was built for RM300,000.
According to a press release, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who is also Balai Ringin assemblyman, officially opened the new community hall on April 20.
Tuai Rumah Bita Ringkos, who oversees the 24-door Iban settlement near Balai Ringin town, thanked the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government in his speech.
He also thanked Snowdan for the RM300,000 funding under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) allocation, as well as the Public Works Department (JKR) for serving as the implementing agency.
“The project has now been completed and materialised,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Snowdan, who officiated at the opening of the new community hall, stated that such a building serves as an important focal point of meeting for settlements that lack a ‘ruai’ (common area) as opposed to a longhouse.
“The balai raya (community hall) is used for a variety of purposes, including meetings, celebrations such as Gawai, Christmas, weddings, sales (tamu), short courses, and government official briefings by medical teams, agricultural or educational talks, among others.
“In other words, it serves as a hub for fostering unity when people come together for a shared event,” he said.
The Balai Ringin assemblyman also emphasised the crucial role of the Tuai Rumah in closely monitoring the RTP projects carried out by contractors in their village.
“Ensure that the progress works are done in accordance with the scope of work specifications as stipulated in the contract documents and letter of acceptance.
“Highlight any discrepancies or shortcomings to the implementing agencies concerned such as JKR, DID (Department of Irrigation and Drainage) or MDS (Serian District Council) for that matter when you notice any irregularities.
“Provide the necessary cooperation and work closely with the implementing agencies to speed up project completion while minimising waste of governmental resources and time due to improper implementation,” he added.
During the event, Snowdan also presented a certificate of appointment to Tuai Rumah Bunan Bael of Kampung Ruan Lubang Tiong, located on Jalan Simunjan.
At the same time, the minister received new Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) membership applications from Kampung Tapang Lebat villager, which were handed over by Tuai Rumah Bana Entili on their behalf.
Snowdan also presented RM10,000 in Minor Rural Project (MRP) funds to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and RM5,000 to Biro Wanita (Women Bureau) to fund their activities in the village.
Datu Temenggong Harrison Lunsa also spoke at the event, discussing customs and traditions, while Balai Ringin state administrative officer (SAO) Mohd Adam Abdullah, discussed their regulatory roles, as well as those of the Penghulu (chieftains), Tuai Rumah (headmen), and JKKK reporting requirements.
Also present were Penghulu Anthony Lama (Balai Ringin area), Penghulu Pelie (Batang Kanan Simunjan), Councillor Briten, Councillor Collin, village headmen from nearby kampungs, women bureau members, and village residents. — DayakDaily
