The Sarawak Heritage Society (SHS) is optimistic that the state government is on the same page when it comes to the conservation of the state’s heritage.

Following a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday, SHS president Dato Sri Robert Jacob Ridu told The Borneo Post that three points on heritage conservation were discussed.

“We brought up the subject of a database on heritage areas so that we will know how to zone areas in Kuching based on heritage, and Abang Johari already has that in mind,” said Ridu.

SHS also mooted the idea of a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), similar to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

“In most developments, there’s an EIA but they never include heritage impact. We are suggesting that they should also do this,” he said, adding that Abang Johari shared that this would fall under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports.

SHS also raised the need to strengthen public policy as well as regulatory, financing and enforcement framework on existing buildings and heritage regulations.

It also asked for a strengthening of the cultural heritage management framework, suggesting it could start with a candid, independent review of the current status of Sarawak’s heritage conservation and management.

In addition, SHS suggested providing government measures to commensurate maintenance requirements of gazetted government-owned heritage sites, provide financial support to selected heritage conservation projects, and financial incentives for private owners of built heritage to conserve and maintain their assets.

“We also hope to do our convention on heritage next year,” added Ridu.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by Georgette Tan

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