By LYNCH COWAN
KUCHING: A task force led by Serian Resident and the State Secretary will make a study, thereby, submit a recommendation to upgrade Siburan from sub-district to district.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the recommendation must be based on certain requirements.
“It is like when you want to have a new township you must have enough green area,” he said when officiating at the opening of Siburan new basketball court in connection with the Chinese New Year celebration in Siburan town yesterday.
“The sub-district office also needs to be upgraded on a RM1.5 million budget that has already been approved,” the Chief Minister said.
The new basketball court which cost about RM500,000 to build was approved by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Initiated in 1965 by the late Liew Wei Kong, the court had gone through multiple upgrading by the management and committees over the past 50 years.
However, with the help of Transportation Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, the roofing finally started in the first half of last year and completed in December.
The Siburan basketball association is proud of its achievements over the years, having produced more than 10 national and approximately 80 state women and men players.
The Chief Minister also presented Chinese New Year donations to 40 elderly recipients in connection with the festive celebration.
The eldest recipient was 100-year-old Tang Ling Chai who was born on Jan 30, 1919.
The ceremony also saw a presentation of donation to 40 less fortunate persons from Siburan area.
Also present at the ceremony were Tourism, Art, Culture, Youth and a Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, community leaders and leaders of 19 Chinese Association and 17 Siburan Basketball Clubs’ representatives.
