KUCHING, Feb 20: Melanau Heritage Gallery 2, a People’s Project, has been approved by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg with an allocation of RM18 million.
According to a news report published by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Dalat assemblywoman Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, who is also the Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), said the gallery will feature displays on Melanau culture and traditions such as music, food, medicine, games, handicrafts and figures, Melanau customs, and the origins of the Melanau people in N56 Dalat.
“The second objective is to highlight traditional Melanau foods such as sago.
“So we asked the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) to recognise it as a national heritage food.
“We also launched the Dalat Tourism Trail as part of this — ‘Program Semarak Warisan Melanau @ Dalat’,” she said at ‘Program Semarak Warisan Melanau @ Dalat’ at the Dalat Welfare Complex on Sunday (Feb 19).
She also expressed hope that MTCP could assist in the establishment of workshops, galleries, and weekend markets near the Kampung Tanam Waterfront.
An agreement has been reached with Centre for Technology Excellence (Centexs) Dalat to offer a Serao making course, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, in order to ensure Serao sustainability.
Additionally, Sarawak MTCP minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah was present at the event to officiate at ‘Program Semarak Warisan Melanau @ Dalat’.
Among those present were Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department and Kakus assemblyman Datuk John Sikie Tayai, Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi, and Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine. — DayakDaily
