BBHA thanks Chief Minister for RM500,000 grant

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KUCHING: Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA) has thanked Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for approving RM500,000 to the association for buying furniture and furnishings at its soon-to-be open Bung Bratak Heritage Centre (BBHC).

BBHA president Dato Peter Minos said the association members were totally surprised and pleased by the speed of approval by the Chief Minister to the association’s request last week.

Dato Peter Minos

“This shows his keen interest in Bidayuh history and ecotourism. What else can I say but a big ‘Thank you Sir’ because without that RM500,000 grant, there was no way for our association to raise that amount of money,” he said yesterday.

The BBHC had its soft launching on April 1 this year. Initiated and developed by BBHA, this project was fully financed by the federal Ministry of Tourism at a cost of RM8 million and constructed by Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak through an appointed contractor.

Located on Bung Bratak, this hilltop centre comprises two traditional longhouses, one for accommodating up to 100 persons and one for a seminar or conference hall, office and mini museum on Dayak arts and culture, among other things.

There is also a big ‘baruk’ (Bidayuh traditional round house), a dining hall with kitchen and a reception hall.

The Bung Bratak is considered as the original and ancient ancestral home of the Jagoi-Bratak Bidayuhs, who now live in 33 villages in Kampung Serikin, Bau and Kampung Selampit, Lundu.

Minos also said final touches are now being done for BBHC before it is officially open to the public on January 1 next year.

“The Chief Minister will be invited to officially open BBHC by May 1 next year. BBHC has it all as a retreat and an ecotourism centre with mountain fresh air, beautiful scenery, two waterfalls and spring water holes said to have medicinal value. There are primary forests, with diverse flora and fauna, and jungle heritage trails and jungle walks for the people to enjoy,” he said.