Local communities urged to help map Sarawak's historical sites
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
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