PADAWAN: The Sarawak Government, through the Greater Kuching Development Coordination Agency, has approved funding of RM6.5 million to enhance several infrastructures in Kampung Annah Rais, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit reported.
This initiative is aimed at improving public facilities, cultural and arts centres, football fields, river embankments, and public parking areas in the village.
Sarawak Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil announced that these upgrades would elevate Kampung Annah Rais's status as a premier tourist destination in Sarawak, benefiting the local community. He made this announcement during the closing ceremony of the Biannah Cup and Araf Cup 2024 football competition held on Sunday.
The competition marked the final event for the Annah Rais Field, which will be repurposed as a cultural and arts centre for the Padawan District. However, Jerip reassured residents that a new football field would be constructed to replace the existing one, ensuring that sports and recreational activities continue to thrive in the village.
The new field will make way for the construction of an Amphitheatre or Cultural Arts Center that will further showcase the Bidayuh community's cultural arts, particularly those of the Biannah community. This initiative is also expected to promote Bidayuh handicrafts, contributing to the local economy.