Abdul Karim during the site visit today flanked by Jane (left) and Janggan.
SANTUBONG (Oct 18): The reconstruction of the recently burnt-down Bidayuh House at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) will be proposed during the upcoming State Legislative Assembly sitting this November, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said that although SCV falls under the purview of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), his ministry will lend full support to expedite the rebuilding of the heritage structure, known as Panggah, a traditional gathering place for Bidayuh warriors.
“SEDC is an agency under the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and not under the State Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
“However, as SCV is one of the state’s key tourism attractions, I am monitoring the situation closely and want to ensure that the burnt-down structure is rebuilt,” he told reporters during a visit to the fire site at SCV here today.
Abdul Karim said he hopes SEDC can fast-track the rebuilding process, with discussions expected to begin soon and work potentially starting as early as January next year.
“This has just happened, so we will try to sit down and look into this matter as soon as possible.
“If we can begin reconstruction by January, we only have about two months to fast-track preparations and ensure everything is in order,” he said, adding that the timeline is important as next year has been designated Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
The remains of the Bidayuh House at the Sarawak Cultural Village which was razed on Oct 12.
He said an inspection by relevant authorities would first determine whether the remaining pillars are structurally sound, as the existing foundation could still be used if deemed safe.
The loss from the fire is estimated to exceed RM2 million, including the building, artefacts, and cultural value, he added.
“Taking into account the artefacts lost, the construction cost and other related losses, the total damage is estimated to exceed RM2 million,” he pointed out.
Abdul Karim also reminded SCV operators and staff to strengthen safety measures, especially by inspecting old electrical wiring and being prepared as first responders, given that many of the traditional houses are built with flammable materials.
Accompanying Abdul Karim during the site visit were SCV chief executive officer Jane Lian Labang, Kuching Division Bidayuh Temenggong Atok Derop, and Fire and Rescue Department Zone 1 chief Janggan Muling.