SERIAN (Aug 23): The Bidayuh language could be introduced as a subject in Sarawak schools next year to help preserve the heritage and identity of the Bidayuh community, said Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
He said his ministry is finalising the details before implementation, with the proposal already submitted to the Ministry of Education (MoE) for approval.
“Yes, we hope it can begin next year. Some schools have already been identified, but I cannot disclose them yet as the matter is still in its final stage,” he told reporters after officiating at the launch of the book ‘Buku Ketua Masyarakat Bidayuh Bahagian Serian’ on Friday evening.
Efforts to include the Bidayuh language as an optional subject under the MoE’s Ethnic Language Curriculum (KBE) have been ongoing for many years.
The initiative aims to encourage the younger generation to learn and develop an interest in their mother tongue, thereby preventing it from going extinct.
Meanwhile, the newly launched ‘Buku Ketua Masyarakat Bidayuh Bahagian Serian’ is a 214-page publication documenting the biographies and contributions of Bidayuh community leaders in the Serian Division.
Sagah, who also Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) advisor, said the book serves as an important reference for both present and future generations.
He pointed out the publication is not only meant for public reading, but also to be distributed to government agencies, research institutions and strategic partners to broaden access to information and facilitate studies on local leadership.
“The documentation of language, dialect and culture is crucial to ensure the Bidayuh heritage is preserved. Just like other languages in the world with their own variations, local languages and cultures must be written and disseminated so they will not be lost to modernisation,” he said.
He added that the book marks another milestone in recording the history, culture and leadership of the Bidayuh community, in line with the state government’s aspiration to strengthen Sarawak’s identity on the global stage.
Also present at the event were Advisor in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Education) Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong, Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem, Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, and Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada.
