By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, Aug 28: An allocation of RM1.3 million has been approved to help Miri Petroluem Museum fix its air-conditioning system, revealed Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting.
Facilities at the museum which officially opened to the public in 2005, have deteriorated and not been maintained due to funding issues over the past two years.
In the absence of air-conditioning, the museum staff have been relying on at least 10 standing fans placed inside the building.
Today, during a brief visit to the museum, Ting revealed that the state government has approved the allocation to fix the air conditioning system and the repair work is currently being tendered.
“The project would be awarded some time in December this year,” he said.
During the visit, Ting was accompanied by Miri Mayor Adam Yii.
Once the project is awarded, it will take about eight months to complete.
Ting also proposed that the maintenance works for the building be given to Miri City Council (MCC).
He reasoned that MCC has the manpower and skilled engineers who can help to take care of the building.
Ting said he will make the proposal via his ministry to the Sarawak Museum Department so that the latter can decide.
He added, the maintenance works would also include taking care of the exhibits inside the building.
“We need to preserve the building as it showcases not only the history and the processes involved in the extracting of crude oil in Miri, but (the history of) Sarawak in general,” he said. — DayakDaily
