Newly-registered Dayak associaton plans to build cultural centre to reflect Dayak identities

KUCHING, September 10, 2018: Newly registered Persatuan Kebudayaan Dayak Sarawak (PKDS) says it plans to build a cultural centre which will reflect the identities and cultures of the various Dayak groups in the state.

PKDS chairman Judah Anom (right) with secretary William Manggor

Its chairman Judah Anom said today the association is looking to buy a land along the Kuching-Serian road to build the centre.

"Building the centre is a top priority of PKDS which has just been registered with the Registrar of  Societies," he in a statement.

He said he estimated that the centre to cost about RM6.5 million, including for the price of the land.

He said he is inspired to build the centre after his few trips to Pontianak, West Kalimantan over the past years.

"In Pontianak, the Dayak cultural centres are designed to reflect the traditions, customs and identities of the various Dayak communities in Kalimantan.

"They use these centres for Gawai celebrations, cultural sports and other festivities.  In the recent Gawai Dayak celebrations, thousands of Dayaks flocked to these centres to celebrate the occasion," he said.

Judah hoped that the centre that PKDS plans to build will be  a tourist attraction.

"We will incorporate an exhibition centre-cum-mini museum and handicraft centre, meeting hall and administrative  office into the centre," he said.

He said the exhibition centre will showcase photographs of  famous Dayak personalities like diving queen Pandelela Rinong, war hero Datuk Temenggong Kanang anak Langkau, singers Andrewson Ngalai, Michael Jemat, Rickey L and former Dayak paramount chief Tun Jugah anak Barieng and former chief ministers Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan and Datuk Tawie Slie.

He said the centre will also have hostel for people, especially foreign tourists, who want to stay overnight.

Judah said the association will launch a recruitment drive to get more Dayaks or Sarawakians  with Dayak fathers or mothers and who are above 18 years old to be its members.

A eligible person only needs to pay only RM50 as life member.