BAU: The Research and Development Movement Organisation Centre of Singai Sarawak (REDEEMS) in Kampung Apar is set to become the new venue for large-scale cultural festivals.

The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, has expressed his full support for establishing REDEEMS as a cultural festival centre in the future.

“REDEEMS will become the Cultural Centre in Bau, as it is equipped with a large stage and longhouses, so I support the proposal to hold the Cultural Festival at REDEEMS,” he said.

“I will instruct the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts of Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, to make this proposal a reality,” he added.

He said this during the opening ceremony of the 16th REDEEMS Gawai Carnival here on Saturday night.

In this regard, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also instructed several agencies, including the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) and the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), to enhance the infrastructure at REDEEMS.

He explained that this includes approving funds to install air conditioning, which will be tendered in November, and approving more than RM1 million in Minor Rural Project (MRP) funds to build more conducive parking facilities at REDEEMS.

“These funds will be channelled by the Sarawak Government through the Member of the Legislative Assembly (ADUN) for Tasik Biru, who is also the Deputy Minister of Transport Sarawak (Riverine and Marine), Dato Henry Harry Jinep.

Also present were the Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister of Transport Sarawak (Air and Road), Datuk Dr. Jerip Susil, President of REDEEMS, Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie, Bau District Officer, Constantine Gerald David Jonas and other distinguished guests. —UKASnews