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KUCHING, 13 Oct: The Sarawak Government has been asked to consider taking over the management and operation of community library in Penan Long Latei Village, Telang Usan to ensure that the facility continues to operate and benefit local residents.
Telang Usan State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) member Dato Dennis Ngau said structured financial and management support is needed to cover operating costs including staff salaries, maintenance and preparation of literature.
He said that since the community library was established, the operating costs, especially paid to the volunteers managing the facility, have been largely covered through his allocation and efforts as a representative of the people of the area.
However, he said the financial constraints made it difficult to continue the commitment in the long term, requiring the involvement of the Sarawak Government to ensure its continuity.
"The state government does not have to build new facilities from scratch because the library is already available and benefits the community. What is needed now is sustainable management and financing to ensure its continued operation", he said.
He said this while discussing the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill 2026 at the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference today.
According to Dennis, the community library was established through collaboration between Sarawak State Library, Telang Usan Service Centre and local communities before being inaugurated on 24 October 2020.
Located in Penan Service Centre (PSC), Long Latei Penan Village, the facility takes about two hours' drive through Balak Road from Long Lama town.
Dennis said the library was set up to provide access to literature, educational resources and a conducive learning environment especially for Penan children as well as nearby villagers who live far from the city and main educational facilities.
"Rural children should enjoy the same educational opportunities as their peers in urban areas and should not be left behind simply because of geographical factors or financial constraints", he said.
In this regard, Dennis suggested that the relevant ministry and Sarawak State Library assess existing facilities, staffing requirements as well as operating costs of the library in order to formulate appropriate management methods.
He also proposed specific allocations to cover staff salaries and operating costs, as well as gradual addition of reading materials, educational resources and digital learning facilities.
"The management of the library can be carried out directly by the Sarawak State Library or through formal cooperation with local communities according to appropriate mechanisms", he explained.
Dennis said the library also has the potential to serve as a model for expanding its services to other rural communities, especially those areas with limited access to educational facilities.
He also informed that the initiative received the Silver Medal for Sarawak State Public Service Quality Award (AKPANS) in the category of High Performance Team Awards in 2021.-TVS
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