By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Dec 12: The planned refurbishment of the Old Miri Resident’s Office at Angsana Road still remains on track, despite delays in execution due to funding issues.
Back in 2016, the State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture proposed converting the Old Miri Resident’s Office into the Miri Cultural and Heritage Museum.
However, following funding issues, the project has yet to be finalised.
According to Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew who is also the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) candidate for N73 Piasau, they have re-submitting a proposal for the project to be included under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) mid-term review. He added the planning to refurbish the building is still ongoing.
“My ministry (Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak) has resubmitted for the funding to be included into the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review,” explained Ting today during a press conference held at SUPP Piasau’s office here.
He was responding to Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) candidate for Piasau Hanim Jaraee who had alleged the project was a failure.
Left abandoned, with no proper physical barriers around, the rundown building has attracted homeless individuals seeking shelter.
“The planning to refurbish the old building is still on track. The renovations will start once we have the funding approved,” Ting assured.
He added, starting from tomorrow, the area will be temporarily closed and there will be physical barriers set up around the area.
For the record, the estimated cost for the project is about RM30 million.
There are five main components for the project, which are building renovation, repainting, replacing the old material, cleaning, and conservation work.
The proposed implementing agency will be the Miri City Council.
Once the renovations are done, the building will be managed by Sarawak Museum Department. — DayakDaily
