MIRI, Sept 6: The historical Niah National Park has an archaeological site of great importance to Southeast Asia; therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to preserve and protect the national park and share it with the world.
According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) news report, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is why Sarawak prioritises getting Niah National Park listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
“This is because when it is listed, it will increase the awareness of the public and organisations related to the appreciation of heritage, education, creativity, and nation building,” he said.
His speech text was read out by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah while officiating at the ‘International Conference on Niah National Park for World Heritage Site Nomination’ yesterday (Sept 5).
In the meantime, Abang Johari expressed confidence that getting Niah National Park recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site would be timely in protecting the treasures in the national park.
“As the Premier of Sarawak, I am confident that the designation of Niah National Park as a World Heritage Site is a timely initiative that will further strengthen the State’s capacity in heritage protection and developing world-class conservation practices,” he said.
He also said that unique biological diversity is protected under the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance 1998 and the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998, while cultural heritage is protected under the Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019.
Currently, 66 Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) have been designated by the Sarawak government, consisting of 46 national parks, 15 nature reserves, and five wildlife sanctuaries.
Likewise, 66 historic sites have been gazetted under the Sarawak Heritage Ordinance, 2019, including 152 buildings and monuments and nine historic sites. — DayakDaily
