By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 12: Over 60 staff members from the Registrar of Societies (ROS) Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur visited the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre today and were impressed with the traditional architecture and designs of the heritage site, situated on a hill top surrounded by lush greenery.
Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA) welcomed the visitors with traditional Bidayuh dances and music, gave them a tour, and treated them to local food.
BBHA chairman Dato Peter Minos briefed the visitors, explaining that Bung Bratak is an historical site of great significance to the Bidayuh community, particularly the Jagoi-Bratak sub-tribe, which is scattered across 35 villages in the Lundu and Bau districts.
He attributed the preservation of the historical site to the community, noting that Bung Bratak is not only a popular eco-tourism destination but also a guardian of the forests, heritage, and historical monument of the early ancestors from over 750 years ago.
“They were impressed with Bung Bratak, especially the traditional architecture and designs. They kept asking how did we did it.
“It was all due to teamwork. The nearby local villagers helped during the construction and now local staff look after the place,” he said in a statement.
Minos, who is also Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman, emphasised that contributing to voluntary community service at the site is a reminder of the Bidayuh roots and the sacrifices of early settlers who endured hardships but remained resilient.
“It is truly satisfying which money cannot buy,” he added.
Meanwhile, ROS highlighted that all associations must fully adhere to the provisions and regulations under the Societies Act, including submitting statutory annual returns and conducting biannual or triennial meetings, as failure to comply can result in deregistration. — DayakDaily
