By Christine T
KUCHING, Oct 14: Sarawak is developing the Betong Heritage Trail covering Betong, Saratok, Pusa and Kabong as part of its efforts to preserve local history and expand heritage tourism across the State, alongside existing initiatives in Miri and Kuching.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the initiative involves identifying and documenting historical sites, oral histories, cultural practices and community memories to develop the area’s heritage assets into tourism attractions.
He said this in response to a question from Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong on the ministry’s initiatives to identify, document and promote Sarawak’s local heritage at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
“Historical narratives and information obtained from local communities are further supplemented through the examination of documents, historical sources and relevant research, in collaboration with agencies such as the Sarawak Museum Department, the Sarawak Council for Customs and Traditions, and relevant ethnic associations,” Snowdan said.
The Betong initiative forms part of wider heritage development efforts, including the Miri Heritage Trail, launched in 2025 after two years of research and stakeholder engagement.
The Miri trail showcases the city’s heritage through its petroleum industry, Second World War sites, local legends and community histories.
In Kuching, the Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHE) initiative identifies heritage assets through four components: Kampung Heritage, Historical Business Heritage, Riverfront Heritage and Historical Monuments Heritage.
Snowdan said these efforts aim to systematically identify, document and promote Sarawak’s heritage with the involvement of local communities, in order to preserve heritage and enhance appreciation of Sarawak’s history and culture.
Documentation initiatives also include publications on Sarawak’s textile heritage and historic communities, such as The Revival of Songket & Keringkam Sarawak: Honouring Datuk Amar Juma’ani and Kampung Warisan Bandar Raya Kuching.
The Sarawak Craft Council also documents local craft traditions, including keringkam embroidery and Malay drum-making, while the ministry’s Heritage and Arts Facilitation Fund supports initiatives by non-governmental organisations, including the publication of Sejarah Kanowit.
Snowdan further highlighted that local communities play a central role in these initiatives by identifying historically significant sites, sharing oral histories and traditional knowledge, and verifying the information recorded.
He added that heritage trails could also create economic opportunities for communities through homestays, handicrafts, local food businesses, community guiding services and cultural activities. – DayakDaily
