SIBU: The Sarawak Heritage Bill 2019 is a visionary and timely move to safeguard, preserve and conserve the state’s heritage, said Dudong assemblyman Datuk Tiong Thai King.
He said Sarawak is home to 27 ethnic groups and with 45 different dialects, and that each group has their own unique stories, beliefs, traditions and cultures.
“A country’s cultural heritage including historic buildings, sites, cultures and other invaluable assets can play a major role in boosting the nation’s tourism sector as these unique features can be promoted as tourism products to generate income,” he said when debating the bill in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Tuesday.
The new Sarawak Heritage Bill 2019 was passed Tuesday, covering four new elements not previously covered by the now-repealed Sarawak Cultural Heritage Ordinance 1993.
Tiong pointed out that with rapid development taking place, it is even more imperative to conserve heritage which he said is the ‘soul’ of Sarawak.
“The conservation of traditions, architecture, historical remains and culture is critical to ensure Sarawak’s attractiveness for tourists.
“In addition, the heritage should remain intact so that the future generations can appreciate the state’s historical remnants which could be traced to the White Rajah Brooke era. Besides, preserving cultural heritage is also a social responsibility as it reflects our identity,” he added.
He said if articulated in a proper way and through proper channels, cultural heritage tourism could make an impact on the economic growth of communities and regions.
“It is hope that with the passing of the Heritage Bill 2019, Sarawak can safeguard, preserve and conserve our heritage sites to enable us to nominate at least one site to be recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site to boost Sarawak’s cultural heritage tourism,” he said.
Tiong also expressed hope that the Sarawak government would consider building a larger and more complete heritage centre and museum in Sibu, which is the gateway to the central region of the state.