SERIAN: The Serian Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Community Centre is expected to be opened to the public soon, with its official launch scheduled before Gawai.
DBNA’s president, Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, said the RM5.1-million facility would be open to all communities wishing to utilise its amenities.
He said a rental schedule was being finalised and expressed hope that the new centre would serve as a functional space for various events in Serian.
“We would like to thank our leaders and DBNA members for their support in realising this new identity and iconic building for DBNA Serian.
“Once it is ready for operations, I hope the Serian DBNA will maximise its use for community functions, corporate events and festivals,” he told Sarawak Tribune during the handover of the centre here today (Feb 13).
Bukit Semuja state assemblyman, John Ilus, echoed the sentiment, saying he was hopeful that the Serian-level Gawai bazaar could be held at the new facility this year, although details have yet to be confirmed.
“We are proud to have this building. It gives us more options for organising events and programmes in Serian,” he said.
He added that the centre was strategically located and should benefit not only the Bidayuh community, but all communities in the district.
For the record, construction of the new centre began in July 2024 and was completed in January this year.
Built on the site of the former DBNA hall, the new structure now stands as a refreshed symbol of Bidayuh identity in Serian.
The centre is equipped with a multipurpose hall, hostel accommodation, and a canteen to support various community and corporate events.
