KUCHING: The Sikura Piramin Bidayuh DBNA is one of the efforts to preserve the Bidayuh language, said Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah.
Sagah expressed concern that the younger generation is increasingly losing touch with the authenticity of the Bidayuh language.
He said this stems from the older generation, who understands the language, did not document it in writing.
“At present, the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) is working to collect and document all the languages of the Bidayuh communities in Sarawak to ensure that they are not lost over time.
“Many Bidayuh customs are no longer practiced due to religious beliefs, cultural influences, and the diversity of customs among the Bidayuh communities, varying by region and dialect,” he said during the Appreciation and Graduation Ceremony of Sekolah Piramin DBNA 2023/2024 held here recently.
Sagah, who is also Tarat assemblyman, called on all elected Bidayuh representatives to focus on the development of this school, emphasising the importance of preserving the Bidayuh language across generations.
He added that the Bidayuh community should also strive to succeed alongside other communities in the state.
Present at the event were Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin, and DBNA president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik.
