ROBAN: The Sarawak government is committed in providing community centres in longhouses as facilities to host various social programmes aimed at strengthening bonds and unity among residents.
Kalaka assemblyman, Mohamad Duri, said that having a dedicated place for longhouse residents to gather would foster closer and more harmonious relationships among them.
“In this regard, I am grateful that under this year’s Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), the construction of the Sanggat Libau Longhouse Community Centre at Sungai Ruan has been approved.
“I believe their application was not made lightly.
“There must be a positive impact for the residents of this longhouse,” he said.
He made these remarks after a site visit and informal dialogue (berandau) with the longhouse community here the day before.
He explained that a total of RM100,000 has been allocated for the construction of the community centre this year.
“I, together with officers from the service centre and the Saratok Public Works Department (PWD), have gained a clearer understanding for the preparation of the scope of works.
“My hope is that the construction will proceed smoothly, and that the residents can fully benefit from the facility once completed,” he added.
Mohamad further stated that a community centre is not solely for holding celebrations, but also serves as a venue for education and human capital development.
“The centre can be used for extra classes, skills workshops, and health talks that help enhance the knowledge and skills of the residents.
“Additionally, it can function as a hub for disseminating important information from the authorities and as a gathering point during emergencies such as fires or floods.
“In fact, a well-managed and active community centre can help stimulate economic activities such as cooperatives, handicrafts, or community tourism,” he emphasised.
He also looked into requests for agricultural road projects and access roads to the cemetery area of the longhouse.
In a separate development, Deputy Chief of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Kalaka Branch, Councillor Kasdi Pandi, conducted a site visit to the futsal court construction project at Luna Patan Longhouse, which was also approved under RTP 2025.
