KUCHING (Sept 14): The Sarawak government has approved an additional RM4 million to furnish the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Community Hostel at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here, bringing the total project cost to RM20 million.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initial RM16 million allocation was insufficient to complete the hostel.

“DBNA’s adviser and Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn informed me that the hostel did not yet have furniture and was therefore incomplete. So, I approved an additional RM4 million, making the total project cost RM20 million,” he said during the hostel’s official opening, held in conjunction with DBNA’s 70th anniversary celebration at its headquarters last night.

He recalled that when DBNA celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2020, then DBNA adviser and current adviser in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Education), Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong, had proposed building the community hostel and requested government funding of RM16 million, which was subsequently approved.

Abang Johari said Manyin had pointed out that, with DBNA having several branches outside Kuching, members travelling to the city might require transit accommodation, while students would benefit from affordable lodging.

DBNA currently has 24 branches — 23 in Sarawak and one in the Klang Valley.

Meanwhile, Sagah described the completion of the Community Hostel as another landmark achievement for the Bidayuh community, signifying their presence in the state capital.

“The hostel will also serve as transit accommodation for those in need, whether for medical or educational purposes, at a very affordable rate,” he said.

He added that despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the project commenced in 2021 and was successfully completed in 2024.

The nine-storey hostel features DBNA’s office on the ground floor, five dormitory units for 56 people on the first floor, 96 rooms across levels two to eight accommodating 188 people, and a rooftop event space on the ninth floor.

Sagah also said a management team has been formed to oversee operations of the hostel, with the aim of generating income for the association.

He also revealed that the association plans to convert the iconic baruk building at DBNA headquarters into a Bidayuh Heritage Gallery to serve as a tourism attraction and academic resource centre.

Among those present at the event were DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, and other distinguished guests.