Dr Annuar (standing) during the Gawai Dayak celebration at Rumah Maxwell in Sibu.
The ruai and tanju (communal areas) of all 34 longhouses within the Nangka state constituency will be upgraded, says Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
The Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister said works would be carried out in stages in line with available funding.
“We will proceed gradually,” said Dr Annuar, who is also Nangka assemblyman.
“There are 34 longhouses in Nangka, and I will endeavour to upgrade the ruai and tanju bit by bit.
“This is because my yearly allocation is only about RM5mil, which must be distributed according to needs across the entire constituency,” he said during the 2025 Gawai Ngabang Programme at Rumah Maxwell in Oya Road, Sibu.
Dr Annuar noted that three longhouses in the area still lacked access to clean water due to their remote location, and said this issue would be addressed in stages.
Commenting on the Gawai Dayak celebration, Dr Annuar said the festival was a testament to Sarawak’s harmonious multi-ethnic society.
“Gawai Dayak is not only celebrated by the Dayak community but also embraced by all ethnic groups in Sarawak.
“This is what makes Sarawak special. We must safeguard this spirit,” he said.
During his visit, Dr Annuar also handed over loudspeakers, an audio system and fire extinguishers to residents of Rumah Maxwell. — By ANDY CHUA
