SIBURAN: The unification of 15 Biannah sub-ethnic villages since 2012 continues to strengthen community unity, identity preservation and rural development across the region.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the Biannah Association plays a vital role as a platform uniting the Biannah community across the 15 villages while safeguarding their history and origins.
He noted that Kampung Annah Rais remains the ancestral heartland of the Biannah people, with a history spanning more than 200 years.
“It served as the starting point for the community’s expansion into other villages such as Kampung Sebakar, Kampung Sebuang, Kampung Semuti and Kampung Sadir,” he said during the Persatuan Biannah 2026 Gala Dinner on Saturday.
Dr Jerip, who is also Mambong assemblyman, highlighted several strategic development initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of rural residents, including the need to upgrade the Tebedu-Semuti-Sadir road to enhance accessibility and support economic growth.
He added that the government has allocated about RM8 million to develop tourism products in Kampung Annah Rais, including a waterfront, community-based tourism programmes, an amphitheatre and cultural exhibition houses.
“The development of culture-based tourism not only benefits Kampung Annah Rais economically but also creates a spillover effect for surrounding villages,” he said.
Meanwhile, Biannah Association deputy chairman Simbas Mair said the association was established to unite the community, strengthen organisational management and safeguard members’ welfare through assistance such as disaster relief, bereavement support and educational aid.
He clarified that the gala dinner was not intended as a fundraising event but served as a platform to strengthen kinship ties and reinforce community networks among the Biannah people.
