State urged to take over Long Latei library

THE Sarawak government has been urged to take over a community library in Long Latei as funding constraints leave its operating costs beyond the means of the Telang Usan constituency service centre.

Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau said he had largely shouldered the library’s operational responsibilities, particularly payments to volunteers who looked after the facility, since its establishment.

“I can no longer sustain the financial commitment due to limited funds,” he said when debating in support of the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill, 2026 during the Budget sitting of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today (Oct 13).

The mini library at the Penan Service Centre in Long Latei was established jointly with the Sarawak State Library and opened on Oct 24, 2020 to bring books and educational resources closer to children in the settlement and surrounding villages.

Located about two hours’ drive from Long Lama along logging roads, the facility serves communities far from major towns and learning facilities.

Dennis called for a sustainable government allocation covering staff salaries, maintenance, reading materials and other essential operating expenses.

“The facility is already there, and the community is already benefiting from it,” he said.

He proposed an assessment of its facilities, staffing needs and operating costs, followed by a suitable management arrangement through the Sarawak State Library or a partnership with the local community.

While donations had helped sustain the initiative, he said contributions could fluctuate and could not provide a reliable basis for its long-term operation.

Dennis also sought additional learning materials and, where feasible, digital facilities, proposing that Long Latei serve as a model for extending library services to other underserved rural communities.

“We must ensure that no child in Sarawak is left behind simply because of geographical distance or the financial limitations of their community,” he said.