Jaythaleela K
MIRI, March 22: Surveillance cameras (CCTVs) need to be installed at seven historical light houses Statewide to protect and prevent against acts of vandalism, said Minister of Transport Sarawak Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin.
In proposing this on Tuesday morning during a site visit to Tanjong Lobang lighthouse (Rumah Api), one of the seven historical lighthouses that were built during the British colonial era dating back to 1936, Lee said CCTVs will help not only to monitor these sites but also preserve and protect them to discourage vandalism.
The seven lighthouses are located in Tanjong Dato (Kuching division), Tanjong Po, Tanjong Jerijeh, Tanjong Sirik, Tanjong Kidurong, Tanjong Lobang and Tanjong Baram (located 5km west of Brunei’s border).
“These sites are very precious and we must protect them,” he said.
Moreover, for Tanjong Lobang light house, Lee has mooted the idea to carry out maintenance and repair works around the area, including its first keeper’s grave, the late Awang Metali.
“I believed it is fundamental to its preservation because we want to keep this site healthy besides promoting the area as a tourist attraction,” Lee pointed out.
Awang Metali was killed during the Japanese occupation on Dec 16, 1941.
His grave sits within the lighthouse compound. — DayakDaily
