Manyin (centre) hands over RM20,000 grant to DBNA Serian represented by Raymond as others look on.
KUCHING: The Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Serian branch has been urged to assist the government’s effort to boost broadband penetration in Serian.
This is because many Bidayuh villages in Serian still receive poor telecommunications signal, and some even do not have any signal at all.
Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong said DBNA Serian branch office bearers could help in listing villages in need of better telecommunication coverage.
He pointed out this must be immediately done following the announcement of RM1 billion allocation by Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg to invest in the construction of more telecommunication infrastructure in Sarawak, to increase the number of telco towers from the current 1,200 to over 5,000.
“I wish to see more villages enjoying better telecommunication service, so that they can participate in the era of digital economy,” he said when receiving a courtesy call from DBNA Serian at his office in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building yesterday.
The DBNA Serian delegation comprised its new chairman Raymond Achen, vice chairman Charlie Ungang, secretary Dr Clarence Jerry, treasurer Peter Peros and other exco members.
Also present were Serian Bidayuh Temenggong Henry Bujang Sadok and Serian District Council deputy chairman Dr Simon Sinang Bada, who were appointed as co-opted members of DBNA Serian.
On another matter, Manyin who is also Tebedu assemblyman and DBNA chief advisor proposed the setting up of a model organic farming area in Serian.
He explained this was to promote organic farming and also to encourage more village folk in Serian to develop their land into farming areas.