MIRI: The proposed cultural and heritage museum here will be by ready by June or July.
Curator of Sarawak Museum’s Natural History and Zoology, Dr Charles Leh, said they were now awaiting funds for the development of the museum – which is the existing Miri Resident and District Office (Rando) at Angsana Road.
The complex, which also houses the Islamic Religious Department (Jais) was built in 1912, soon after the first oil well in the country was sunk atop Canada Hill in 1910.
Staff of the complex are expected to move soon to the newly completed Baitulmal complex in Boulevard Commercial Centre, Pujut-Kuala Baram Road.
“Once the complex is vacated we will work on some restoration works and once completed we will put up temporary exhibition for the museum, while we work on the artefacts that could be permanently displayed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Miri,” said Leh when contacted recently.
He said it would be the first such museum in Sarawak, built in office complex which too has historical value. Thus, it will enhance conservation works on the rich heritage in Miri Division including that in the Bario Highland and the Niah Caves.
Sarawak todate has 13 museums, mostly in Kuching while Miri Division has three – Petroleum Science Museum, Fort Hose in Marudi and Niah Archaeology Museum.
On public proposals that the complex is named as Adenan Square in memory of former chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Adenan Adenan Satem, Leh said the museum welcomed the proposal.
“However, we first have to look at the history of the place and the building and thus whatever name given later must have historical link and significance,” he said.
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