By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 2: Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem believes Serian is on track to become one of Sarawak’s most vibrant and prosperous districts, with ongoing development projects set to transform the area significantly over the next five years into a thriving town where people of diverse backgrounds continue to live in harmony.
He said Serian has undergone rapid development in recent years, driven by several major projects, including a large-scale development at Serian Danu Lake, which will replace the existing lake with a water park, hotel chalets, commercial buildings, service apartments and other facilities.
“It is being developed rapidly. So, give Serian another two years and you will see a different Serian. In another five years, Serian will be even more prosperous and vibrant,” he said in a pre-recorded interview when met during his Gawai Dayak open house at his residence in Kampung Pichin, Serian today.
Riot, who is also Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) deputy president, said Serian’s greatest strength lies in its social cohesion and cultural diversity.
“Although about 70 per cent of the population comprises the Bidayuh community, Serian is also home to the Iban, Chinese and Malay communities. For generations, these communities have lived side by side in harmony and maintained strong relationships with one another.
“This spirit of unity and coexistence is Serian’s greatest asset. That is the beauty,” he said.
He noted that Serian is among the largest Bidayuh-populated areas in Sarawak, with nearly 300 Bidayuh longhouses spread across the district. His hometown of Kampung Pichin is the largest village in the area, comprising about 400 households and approximately 1,800 registered voters.
“Kampung Pichin is also one of the largest Bidayuh villages in Sarawak. Every Gawai season, it hosts the unique Nantang Jule celebration, one of the few traditional customs that continues to be preserved among the nearly 300 longhouses in Serian,” he said.
Nantang Jule is a sacred Bidayuh blessing and offertory ceremony deeply rooted in the Gawai harvest festival tradition, particularly practised in Kampung Pichin.
Riot added that a grand Nantang Jule celebration would be held in the village later this evening and is expected to draw large numbers of residents and visitors.
He also expressed his appreciation to Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian for attending his Gawai Dayak open house and thanked him for his continued support for Serian’s development.
Also present were Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai. — DayakDaily
