DBNA Lundu branch to replace demolished building

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Manyin (ninth left), Suimi (10th left) Ik Pahon (11th left) and the others during a photo call.

KUCHING: Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Lundu branch needs a new building following the demolition of its present one to make way for the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway project.

Branch chairman Suimi Kinseng said the DBNA Lundu building at Kampung Jampari, Lundu – Sematan road, was demolished in September with compensation already received from the relevant authority.

“We are now looking for a site for a new building, and we estimate it to cost in the region of RM500,000,” he said when met after leading a 12-member delegation in a courtesy call on Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong at the State Legislative Assembly building yesterday.

Opar assemblyman Dato Ranum Mina also joined the delegation during their meeting with Manyin, who is also DBNA advisor.

Suimi said a new building is needed as the focal point for DBNA Lundu to carry out activities and programmes especially among the youths to preserve the culture, traditions and identity of the Bidayuhs in Lundu district, who are made up of the Salako, Lara and Jagoi groups.

“We are appealing to both Dato Sri Michael Manyin and Dato Ranum Mina to assist with funds to build this new building, to top the compensation which is already paid to us,” he said.

Suimi also said during the meeting with Manyin, DBNA Lundu expressed their support for Manyin’s recent statement on the government’s move to build centralised schools in order to improve academic performances in rural areas and they also shared Manyin’s concern on the issue of local teachers.

DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik and deputy president Charlie Ungang also joined the meeting.