KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has greenlit an additional RM4 million for the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Community Hostel.
He said the nine-storey hostel was initially completed at a cost of RM16 million but required more funds for furniture and fittings.
With the new allocation, the overall project value reached RM20 million, ensuring the facility could fully serve the Bidayuh community.
“DBNA has played an effective role through different eras, from wooden buildings to the hall, to our gallery, and now a hostel.
“This journey is possible because of your solidarity and unity. I am very happy to see the building standing tall and proud tonight.
“From a distance you can see the nine-storey building with its red signage, located in an important area within the city,” he said when officiating the DBNA Community Hostel and DBNA’s 70th anniversary celebration at DBNA Headquarters last night.
Abang Johari noted that the idea for the hostel was first raised during DBNA’s 65th anniversary, when leaders highlighted the need for affordable accommodation.
He acknowledged that DBNA’s many branches meant members travelling through Kuching or students studying in the city needed affordable accommodation.
“They suggested building this community hostel, and asked for the government’s help. I said, okay, for the sake of the Bidayuh people.
“This is the only way we can work together. I managed to help and give assistance because of unity and a strong economy,” he added.
He pointed out that the hostel was located within a “promising triangle” alongside the DBNA headquarters, the Dayak Cultural Foundation, the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Complex, and the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“That reflects the unity of the Bumiputeras, as well as the unity of our various religious faiths. We work together for the common goal,” he said.
The DBNA headquarters currently comprises three main buildings: the Multipurpose Hall, the iconic ‘Baruk’ Building, and the newly officiated Community Hostel.
The hall can accommodate 55 dining tables or up to 800 participants for conferences, while the ‘Baruk’ serves as an activity and cultural centre.
DBNA has also proposed converting the ‘Baruk’ into a Bidayuh Heritage Gallery, envisioned as both a tourism attraction in Kuching and a resource for academic and research purposes
