LUNDU: A total of RM350,000 in funding has been allocated to the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Lundu branch to bolster community development and infrastructure.
Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang announced the allocation during the DBNA Lundu Triennial General Meeting (TGM) held at the DBNA Lundu Hall on Saturday (March 14).
Out of the total amount, RM300,000 is designated for the upgrading of the DBNA Lundu building and its community hall to ensure a more comfortable hub for local activities.
An additional RM50,000 from the Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant was also pledged to support the branch’s administration and upcoming initiatives, including the 2026 Gawai Dayak celebrations and educational incentives for students.
“I hope this allocation will be utilised effectively for the betterment of the Bidayuh community in the Lundu district,” Billy said.
Addressing the unique cultural landscape of the area, Billy highlighted that DBNA plays a vital role in uniting the Salako, Jagoi and Rara sub-groups.
He stressed that despite differences in dialects, the community must remain steadfast in preserving their shared heritage and identity amidst modern challenges.
“DBNA is a strategic partner to the Sarawak Government. This collaboration is essential to ensure that development agendas and social empowerment programmes reach the grassroots level,” he added.
Touching on land matters, the assemblyman commended DBNA’s ongoing efforts in assisting the community with the documentation of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land.
He noted that such documentation is crucial not only for economic security but as a means of safeguarding the historical identity of the Bidayuh people for future generations.
Also present at the event were Bidayuh community leader for Kuching Division, Temenggong Atok Darop, DBNA Lundu branch chairman Suimi Kinseng and various local community leaders (KMKK).
