by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 20: Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg assures that the Sarawak government will assist in the restoration and conservation of the Rumah Batu Datu Bandar Abang Haji Muhammad Kassim bin Datu Bandar Abang Haji Bolhassan (DBAK).
“This Rumah Batu is not an ordinary house because it has its history. Many do not know that the Sarawak Legislative Assembly once convened there. This fact is enough to be a solid basis for us to give official recognition as a Heritage Building,” he cited by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) as saying when officiating the Ramah Tamah Hari Raya organised by JKWW8, here last night.
However, he pointed out that the waqf issue relating to the status of land and buildings must be resolved first by referring to the latest Ordinance of the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) before any official recognition can be made.
In this case, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government is ready to provide technical and financial support to realise this aspiration, in line with the ongoing commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and history of this region based on Islamic law and valid laws.
He also expressed full support for the management committee of the Waris 8 Batu Representatives (JKWW8), emphasising that the historical building deserves to be recognised as a Heritage Building status to ensure its preservation for future generations.
JKWW8 are representatives appointed to manage the Rumah Batu DBAK waqf on behalf of the eight heirs. These representatives are appointed through the General Meeting held every two years.
“I leave it to you all to manage RB. I will help as much as I can so that we can all restore the glory of the historic building,” Abang Johari said.
As a sign of support, the eight heirs have received allocations from the Rumah Batu Fund, which will be used to plan and implement conservation works and activities related to the historical and cultural heritage of the residence.
Built in 1863, the Rumah Batu DBAK, located at Jalan Ajibah Abol, is the first and largest Malay house built using bricks and concrete, unlike the traditional wooden houses at that time. – DayakDaily
