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Borneo Post
25-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Local communities urged to help map Sarawak's historical sites
Ting (second left) strikes the gong to officiate the event as Penguang (left) and others look on. MIRI (June 25): The Sarawak government is calling on divisional tourism committees to work closely with local communities to identify and map out historical sites to be preserved and promoted as tourist attractions. State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting, said the ministry will support these efforts through the divisional tourism committees by providing funding and tourism product development. 'In Miri and its hinterlands, there is a wealth of history, and I believe the same goes for other divisions in Sarawak. Every town in Sarawak has its stories ― of rivers, markets, communities, and dreams,' he said when officiating the launch of Miri Heritage Trail here today. Ting said the local communities possess valuable knowledge of historical sites in their areas, and the ministry, together with the divisional authorities, can assist in preserving and promoting these legacies. The Miri Heritage Trail pamphlet retraces the footsteps of the city's past and aims to guide its future development with pride and purpose, representing a collective community effort to preserve local heritage. Ting said the trail is more than just a map of historical sites ― it is a journey through time, from the earliest known mention of 'Maraboo' (Miri in 1791) to its transformation into Malaysia's first oil town. 'Miri's social history was shaped during the Brooke era and strengthened by communities such as the Jatti Miriek, Kedayan, Kenyah, Kayan, and others. Though the city's history was scarred by wartime struggles, it was never broken,' he added. Among the featured sites on the trail are Japanese Landing Craft War Memorial at Brighton Beach, lighthouse at Pusara Metali, The Grand Old Lady, Salome Dam, World War II Air Raid Shelter (Canada Hill), Bunkers Batu 1 (Kuala Baram road), Dato Permaisuri's Tomb (Tanjung Batu), WWII POW and Execution Camp (Lopeng), WWII Memorial Park, and Piasau Bailey Bridge. The ministry, in collaboration with local ethnic associations, history groups, and local authorities, developed the Miri Heritage Trail as part of efforts to preserve the city's legacy. The Miri History Group, made up of local history enthusiasts, played a key role in igniting interest in documenting these historical places, with a significant social media following backing the initiative. Meanwhile, Ting said the ministry will continue working with partners to ensure the trail is developed into a marketable tourism product, contributing to Sarawak's broader heritage tourism offerings. Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Dennis Ngau expressed optimism that many historical places across Sarawak ― including those in Baram basin ― could be developed into tourism products with the concerted efforts of all stakeholders. Also present at the event were Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datu Sherinna Hussaini; State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Miri District Officer Siti Rohanie Yusof; Miri Deputy Secretary Petrick Linggie Taboh; and community leaders. historical sites Miri Heritage Trail Sebastian Ting tourism
Borneo Post
03-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Abdul Karim proposes establishing food festival to celebrate Subis, Sibuti's cultural and culinary heritage
Abdul Karim (centre) and guests as well as attendees of the Majlis Melanggar Meja and Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri event pose for a group photo. MIRI (May 3): State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has proposed a food festival to be held to showcase the unique delicacies and cultural heritage of the Subis and Sibuti areas to the world. Speaking at the 'Majlis Melanggar Meja' and 'Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri' event at Subis District here today (May 3), Abdul Karim said the celebration reflects the deep-rooted unity among the Kedayan, Malay, Dalik, Miriek, Melanau, Penan, Iban, Chinese and many other ethnics communities in the region. He highlighted the gastronomic potential of the regions, saying their unique food, culture and way of life are valuable tourism assets deserving global recognition. 'Visitors don't come to shop. They come to experience how people live, to taste their food, and to understand their customs. The gastronomy here is vibrant. This is something we must promote,' he said, adding that the gastronomy of Subis and Sibuti is one of its strongest cultural products. From Umai to indigenous herbs and traditional cooking techniques, the local fare, he said, deserves a platform that can introduce it to international audiences. That said, he encouraged the community to take pride in their own culinary heritage, pointing to Umai, which is a raw marinated fish dish, as one of Sarawak's iconic offerings, alongside Sarawak Laksa, which he often showcases abroad during official engagements. 'I have brought chefs overseas to prepare our dishes at events. Even international names like the late Anthony Bourdain recognised Sarawak Laksa as the 'breakfast of the gods', that shows how powerful food can be in promoting our state,' he said. Abdul Karim also noted that following the recognition of Niah Caves as Unesco World Heritage Site, the state government is already planning to enhance road access, develop resorts and expand rural tourism to support this influx. He also praised the Majlis Melanggar Meja held at Sibuti Arena – attended by local village development and security committees (JKKKs), government agencies, associations, mosques, and prayer halls – as a model of cultural openness and togetherness. 'The theme, 'Raya Serumpun, Tradisi Harmoni', carries a deep meaning. It symbolises how festive celebrations unite local communities regardless of background,' he said, adding that such customs should not only be preserved but elevated as living cultural elements. Also present were Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus who is also the assemblywoman of Bekenu; Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurs Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; Deputy Health Minister Malaysia Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni; Resident of Miri Galong Luang; Deputy Resident of Miri Bujang Rahman Seli; Political Secretary to Premier Sarawak Sarkawi Ulis and Pemanca Dr Ali Mudin.
