SERIAN

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Siburan elevation to district

KUCHING: State Legislative Assembly (DUN) deputy speaker Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn will propose to the state government to have Siburan upgraded from a sub-district to district.

According to him, this is to ensure that better government services can be provided to the community there.

“By right, Siburan should be upgraded to a district status because its population is now more than 100,000 people.

“I will be working with Siburan Sub-District Office administrative officer Ranum Bari to prepare a proposal on this matter and submit it to the state government,” he told reporters when met after presenting 373 recipients with welfare aid worth RM500 each at the Padawan and Siburan Sub-District Flood Relief Welfare Aid Phase II presentation ceremony at Siburan Hall here yesterday.

Others present included Kuching Resident Shukarmin Chasemon, Kuching district officer Ibrahim Kipli, Padawan Sub-District Office administrative officer Rangen Jamang, Bidayuh Temenggong (Kuching Division) Austin Dimin Niyon and Padawan District police chief Supt Ng Ah Lek.

Sagah, who is also Tarat assemblyman, added that Siburan should also be equipped with a Rural Transformation Centre (RTC) considering that the people in this sub-district lived quite far from Kuching.

“With the availability of an RTC, this would provide the people here with the convenience of acquiring services provided by government departments,” he said.

Among the areas under Siburan sub-district are Siburan, Mambong, Beratok, Tapah, Tabuan Dayak and Mile 16 Jalan Kuching-Serian, with a population consisting of Bidayuhs, Ibans, Chinese and Malays.

Meanwhile, Ranum revealed that Siburan sub-district will be under the jurisdiction of Serian Division from today onwards.

According to him, this is following the handing over of administrative duties of Serian Division to its new Resident today, with several villages under Siburan sub-district coming under the new division.

“October 1 (today) marks a historic moment for Siburan where 25 villages under this sub-district will be under Serian Division administration whereas 32 villages will remain under Kuching Division through Padawan sub-district,” he said.

He also noted that 21 out of 47 villages under Padawan sub-district would also be placed under the jurisdiction of Serian Division.

“Villages which remain under Siburan sub-district are Kampung Sentah, Masaan, Sg Duuh, Tijirak, Siga, Sinjok, Mundai, Maang, Sg Riset, Skuduk, Plaman Payang, Chupak, Duras, Beradau, Prutan, Sebanyis, Tabuan Rabak, Pulau Kandis, Menjau, Patung, Kerumboi, Kuang-Toop, Batu Gong Baru, Batu Gong Lama, Jawa Gunda as well as Mile 15 to 18 in Siburan, Mile 21 to 26 in Tapah, and Mile 19 to 20 in Beratok.”

On the other hand, villages which are now no longer under Siburan sub-district are Kampung Seratau, Sidanu, Quap, Permas, Betung, Mambong, Sikog, Simboh, Petag, Staang, Bangau, Bunuk, Semaba, Bumbok, Tematu, Sudat, Dangak, Sagah, Bratan, Punau, Giam Baru, Giam Lama, Gerung, Karu, Semadang, Danu, Git, Nyiru Grait, Bawang, Bratan Asah, Sinar Baru and Mile 10 Market in Kota Padawan.

Villages under Padawan sub-district which will be relocated to Serian Division are Kampung Sarig, Pesa, Simpok, Peraya, Stabut, Krian, Sira, Subang, Pesang, Begu, Patos, Gayu, Serumah, Pekan Teng Bukap, Kawa Belimbing, Darul Islam Belimbing, Semaru, Bukit Nanas, Plaman Dunuk, Padus Stubot, Bisira Rayang, Senah Rayang, and Rudan.

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Serian now a division

Performers from DBNA Serian re-enacting a farming scene, as they march into Serian Mini Stadium. — Photo by Jeffrey Mostapa

SERIAN: People here could not be more jubilant upon knowing that the status of their district has been elevated into a division – the latest addition to the existing 11 across the state.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem announced the good news during the kick-off of Pesta Birumuh 2015 at the mini stadium here yesterday.

The state leader surprised many with his opening remark, saying: “The date, April 11, 2015 is a historic day for Serian, because it will become a division.

“I declare that from this day onwards, the Serian and Tebedu districts together with Siburan sub-district, will constitute the Serian Division.

“OK, your wish is granted.”

Adenan’s words were immediately followed by a rapturous applause – running up to five minutes – from the audience, the majority of whom had been eagerly anticipating the announcement.

Many have speculated over the past several weeks, that this year’s Pesta Birumuh would be the venue for the chief minister to make such long-waited announcement, following intense efforts by local leaders to push for the elevation of Serian into a division.

Sarawak, unlike other states, is divided into divisions which are of higher status than districts. Each division is headed by a resident.

In this respect, Adenan explained that administrative arrangement for the new division – to be carved out from Samarahan and Kuching divisions – would follow soon after this.

He added Serian would become the first predominantly-Bidayuh division.

“Since the Malays already have Samarahan, the Ibans with Betong and Kapit, the Melanaus with Mukah, the Chinese with Sarikei and Sibu, as well as the Orang Ulus with Miri and Limbang, there also ought to be a Bidayuh division.

“You (Serian people) deserve it. You have come of age; you want to be recognised in having a rightful place in Malaysia and Sarawak. Be proud of being Bidayuhs, who are strong in their culture and traditions.

“People of other ethnic groups share the joy of this historic moment with their brothers and sisters from the Bidayuh community,” he said.

Adenan also said he was so happy and impressed by the overwhelming spirit of the Bidayuhs during yesterday’s Pesta Birumuh; so much so that he announced a RM2 million grant to the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) – an increase from the initial RM1 million allocation – to mark the historic occasion.

The chief minister’s announcement, as delightfully surprising as it was, was earlier hinted by Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot and Infrastructure Development and Communication Dato Sri Michael Manyin.

Manyin, who is also Tebedu assemblyman, said local Bidayuhs had been dreaming for the day that Serian would be elevated into a division.

He also challenged the community to fully utilise the progress and development taking place in their areas to elevate themselves as global players, highlighting Miss Malaysia / World 2014 Dewi Liana Seriestha and 2012 London Olympics bronze medal winner Pandelela Rinong Pamg as fine examples.

Riot, who is also Serian MP, said the new division fully deserved its status given it being the fixed deposit for Barisan Nasional (BN).

He pointed out that as far as Serian parliamentary constituency was concerned, it had never fallen to the Opposition.

“The state election is to be held next year, but I remain confident that the people here would ensure the three state seats under Serian – Tebedu, Kedup and the newly-proposed Bukit Simuja – would be won by BN,” he said.

The function yesterday had full attendance by all the three MPs and six assemblymen from the Bidayuh community.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, state BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi, Pesta Birumuh founder Tan Sri Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot, DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik and assemblymen from nearby constituencies were also present.

Friday, April 10, 2015

Ketua Menteri Sarawak merasmikan Pesta Birumuh di Serian

SERIAN: Ketua Menteri Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Ade-nan Satem telah merasmikan Pesta Birumuh 2015 yang diadakan pada 11 hingga 13 April depan di Stadium Mini Serian pada jam 10 pagi hari ini.

Menurut Setiausaha Tetap Kementerian Pelancongan Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, pesta itu diadakan bertujuan memelihara dan mengekalkan budaya serta tradisi masyarakat Bidayuh dan kaum lain seperti Melayu dan Iban yang turut menuai padi.

“Ia merupakan acara tahunan kali ketiga anjuran Persatuan Kebangsaan Dayak Bidayuh (DBNA) dengan kerjasama Pejabat Daerah Serian dan agensi awam terlibat.

“Seperti rutin tahun sebelumnya, perarakan kontinjen dari kampung terlibat dengan memakai pakaian tradisional atau kostum tertentu akan menjadi tarikan utama dan dijangka menarik lebih ba-nyak penyertaan,” katanya pada sidang media selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat bersama AJK Pesta Birumuh 2015 di sini semalam.

Pengisian program turut menyaksikan 200 peserta motosikal berkuasa tinggi dari negara jiran Indonesia dan Brunei yang menyertai Serian Bike Gathering anjuran Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial Bahagian Samarahan.

Ia merupakan kerjasama Kelab Permotoran dan Kelab TEGAR Bikers serta akan mengadakan pameran dan rondaan di sekitar kawasan Serian bermula jam 8 pagi.

Selain itu, Majlis Daerah Serian (MDS) akan meng-adakan International Remote Control (RC) Boat, Car and Helicopter .

Pihak Kuching RC Power-boat Club di Tasik Danu Se-rian telah menerima penyertaan 700 peserta dengan 1,000 bot setakat ini.

Penutupan dan penyampaian hadiah akan diadakan pada 12 April oleh Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan Sarawak Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong.

Sesi karaoke Birumuh Idol dan perasmian Stadium Mini Serian juga akan diadakan pada hari yang sama.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Tebedu Inland Port is to become International port

KUCHING: The Tebedu Inland Port is poised to become an international port with various initiatives being undertaken by the government.

Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications Dato Sri Michael Manyin said he himself had met with Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and two ministers in Jakarta pertaining to the matter. The facility comes under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Communication.

“We (government) want the port to be of international standard and for that reason I have met with the authorities in Malaysia and Pontianak (Indonesia) to discuss the matter,” Manyin told reporters yesterday, adding that they wanted it done as soon as possible.

He earlier presented Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) at the Tebedu community hall. Some 1,934 people received the assistance totalling more than RM604,300.

Manyin said Indonesian president had also promised to allocate RM500 million (2 trillion rupiah) for construction of the port at the Indonesian border for the benefit of the two countries.

He said the port was previously used under the Border Trade Agreement (BTA) signed in the 70s. Under the agreement each trader could only bring in RM600 worth of trade per month.

“With such practice, we cannot develop the port, and now we want to make it an international standard trade,” he added.

On the Tebedu Industrial Park, Manyin, who is Tebedu assemblyman, said that infrastructure such as dual carriageway road, water and electricity supplies were already there.

He, however, said it was a matter of promotion to attract both local and foreign investors.

He said the government would also promote the industrial estate to lure local workers.

On BR1M, Manyin said the government acknowledged the need to help the lower income group.

He said the financial assistance was only a temporary one provided by the Barisan Nasional (BN) while transforming the people to increase their household income.

“The government sees the need to help the lower income group, but at the same time develop rural areas to enable the people to increase their income,” he said.

He urged the rural people to make full use of the infrastructure like roads provided by the government to develop their land. He also urged the rural farmers to make full use the fertilizer subsidy to plant commodities like pepper, cocoa and oil palm.

A political secretary to chief minister John David Nyaoh, Serian district officer Sindie Muling and Tebedu SAO Udin Dungak were also present at the function.

Pesta Birumuh 2015 di Serian

SERIAN: Ketua Menteri Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Ade-nan Satem akan merasmikan Pesta Birumuh 2015 yang akan diadakan pada 11 hingga 13 April depan di Stadium Mini Serian sekitar jam 10 pagi.

“Ia merupakan acara tahunan kali ketiga anjuran Persatuan Kebangsaan Dayak Bidayuh (DBNA) dengan kerjasama Pejabat Daerah Serian dan agensi awam terlibat.

“Seperti rutin tahun sebe-lumnya, perarakan kontinjen dari kampung terlibat dengan memakai pakaian tradisional atau kostum tertentu akan menjadi tarikan utama dan dijangka menarik lebih ba-nyak penyertaan,” katanya pada sidang media selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat bersama AJK Pesta Birumuh 2015 di sini semalam.

Ia merupakan kerjasama Kelab Permotoran dan Kelab TEGAR Bikers serta akan mengadakan pameran dan rondaan di sekitar kawasan Serian bermula jam 8 pagi.

Selain itu, Majlis Daerah Serian (MDS) akan meng-adakan International Remote Control (RC) Boat, Car and Helicopter .

Pihak Kuching RC Power-boat Club di Tasik Danu Se-rian telah menerima penyertaan 700 peserta dengan 1,000 bot setakat ini.

Penutupan dan penyampaian hadiah akan diadakan pada 12 April oleh Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan Sarawak Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong.

Sesi karaoke Birumuh Idol dan perasmian Stadium Mini Serian juga akan diadakan pada hari yang sama.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Federal subsidy to benefit 61,000 families in Sarawak and 15,000 in Sabah, says minister

KUCHING: The federal government is allocating RM70 million for the hill padi farm subsidy programme for Sarawak and Sabah.

In disclosing this, Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, said the programme was meant to support hill padi farmers in the two states.

According to him, the subsidy would benefit 61,000 families in Sarawak and 15,000 families in Sabah covering an area of about 71,000 hectares.

“With the subsidy, the ministry (Agriculture and Agro-based) is targeting to increase to three metric tonnes per hectare the hill padi production compared to 743 kg per hectare previously,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

Earlier, he launched a fertilizer and weedicide subsidy scheme for hill padi for Sarawak and Sabah at Kampung Gahat Mawang, near Serian.

Under the scheme, farmers were given 200kg of compound fertilizer per hectare, 100 kg of urea (fertilizer), 8 litres of paraquat (weedicide) and three litres and four litres of other brands of weedicide.

In his speech, he said the ministry was allocated RM2.2 billion this year to develop the padi and rice industry in the country.

With the allocation, the ministry hoped to increase hill padi production, hence increasing the income of the farmers, he said.

At the event, Ismail Sabri also launched a hill padi planting technology manual from research conducted by Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) to increase production.

Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications Dato Sri Michael Manyin, assistant ministers of agriculture (Research and Marketing) Datuk Mong Dagang and Datuk Sylvester Entri (Farmers Organisations) were also present at the function.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Serian Town and Farmer's Market

Serian : A small market town about 1 hour from Kuching. The main attraction is an excellent farmers' market selling all manner of fruit, vegetables and forest produce and a thriving fish market. If you are lucky you will also see sago worms, a favorite local delicacy, offered for sale. The Serian District Council has a number of chalets at nearby Ranchan Pools, a local beauty spot. Chalets RM 50-100, Dormitory RM 100 10 beds). Tel: 876681 Fax: 874799.

The town is very famous for its durians, which are popularly believed to be the best in Sarawak. This has prompted the Serian District Council to erect a giant monument to this "king of fruits" right in the middle of the market square. However, other monuments such as the tiger and the buffalo statues seem out of place as there are no tigers or buffalos in this district.

The town is very well connected to its rich hinterlandboth by road and by water and thus one can find all sorts of jungle produce available in the jungle produce market but lately, most of these produce were brought in from Kalimantan, Indonesia as the price are cheaper.

The district population (year 2010 census) was 90,763.^[1] About 65% of the population are Bidayuh. The other main ethnic groups are Iban, Chinese, and Malay.