MIRI: The Federation of Orang Ulu Associations of Sarawak (FORUM) has received an additional RM5 million grant from the Sarawak government to fully equip its newly completed building at Jalan Padang Kerbau here.
The announcement was made by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala during the building’s soft launch and pre-Christmas programme last night (Dec 6).
The FORUM building, which took 18 months to construct, was initially funded by grants totaling RM25 million approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
However, the project faced delays and financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Movement Control Order (MCO).
“During the MCO, the original contractor had to stop work and was later unable to continue the project due to soaring costs. FORUM then had to appoint a new contractor to complete the building.
“Thanks to the collective efforts of Orang Ulu assemblymen and FORUM executives, an appeal for additional funds was made to the Premier, who approved an additional RM7 million to ensure the project’s completion,” said Gerawat, who also serves as a FORUM advisor.
With the latest RM5 million grant for equipping the building, the total funding provided by the Sarawak government amounts to RM37 million.
The newly completed FORUM building will house nine Orang Ulu sub-groups under its umbrella: the Kayans, Kenyahs, Bisayas, Kelabits, Penans, Lun Bawangs, Lakiputs, Berawans, and Sabans.
Expressing gratitude to the Sarawak government, Gerawat urged the Orang Ulu community to remain united and continue collaborating with the state administration.
“We must work together to advance alongside other communities. Compared to other ethnic groups, the Orang Ulu make up less than six percent of the population. Unity and cooperation with the government are key to our progress and stability,” he said.
Abang Johari is expected to officially inaugurate the FORUM building in 2025.
The soft launch was attended by more than 700 members of the Orang Ulu community. Also present was FORUM President and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon.
