By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 18: The reconstruction and redevelopment of the Rumah Bidayuh (Bidayuh House), which was destroyed by a fire on October 12 at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) following an electrical fault, will be tabled before the Sarawak Cabinet soon.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performance Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Rahman Karim Hamzah, revealed that the iconic Bidayuh House, built in 2011 at a cost of about RM2 million, is under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and, thus, under the Premier’s Department.
He explained that although the matter does not fall under his ministry, he would help bring it to the attention of the State government, as the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) is one of the State’s major tourism attractions.
“Therefore, although it is not under my ministry’s purview, I am aware of the situation and want to ensure that the damage is repaired or the structure rebuilt,” he said at a press conference at the SCV today.
Abdul Karim expressed hope that the building would be reconstructed promptly, emphasising that it should retain its original architectural design and feature artefacts representing the Bidayuh community.
He added that the government would not want to see such a significant attraction left undeveloped, noting that the reconstruction could take at least one and a half years to complete.
Abdul Karim also expressed hope that SEDC would make a special commitment towards funding and overseeing the reconstruction, noting that the corporation has its own tourism unit and could expedite the process.
He assured that his ministry is prepared to provide support and seek special funding to redevelop buildings of this kind.
Expressing sadness over the incident, he urged the management and visitors to take greater care of the SCV, noting that many of its buildings are made of wood and are highly flammable.
Also present at the press conference were SCV general manager Jane Lian Labang, Kuching Division Bidayuh Temenggong Atop Derop, and Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Kuching Zone 1 chief, Janggan Muling. — DayakDaily
