CJMY
The old Miri Resident’s building, built during the Brooke era in the 19th century, may soon be transformed into a heritage and cultural centre. Miri MP Chiew Choon Man has submitted a proposal to Sarawak’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, with hopes of collaborating to fund the heritage conservation project.
Chiew expressed the significance of the historical value of the building and its potential to serve as a tourist destination, being strategically located in the city centre. He remarked, “It is now more than a century old, thus, the old Resident’s building deserves to be preserved as a heritage and cultural centre.”
Proposal from Miri MP
Chiew submitted the proposal last week to the Ministry’s special officer in Miri. He requested Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato’ Seri Tiong King Sing to give his support and approve allocations to upgrade the old Miri Resident’s Office.
“The proposed paperwork and application for allocation have been sent to the federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry under the 12th Malaysia Plan,” Chiew added.
The state’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts has also had a similar plan for the historical building. Chiew expressed hopes that both the federal and state Ministry of Tourism would be able to work together to fund the heritage conservation project.
“It is essential to work together to preserve our history and culture,” Chiew said.
Significance of the old Miri Resident’s building
The old Miri Resident’s building served as the administrative centre of Miri during the Brooke era. It was originally built in the 1800s and bombed during the world wars.
It was restored by the British after the Second World War and has since housed various government offices. The building’s architecture and historical significance make it a potential tourist destination and a cultural and heritage centre for the city.
The building, situated on Kingsway, has served as the main government administrative office in Miri since the 1950s. Initially, it was the location of the Urban District Council before being used as the Miri Resident and District Office from the 50s until the present day.
If the proposal is approved, the old Miri Resident’s building will serve as a heritage and cultural centre, showcasing the city’s rich history and culture. The restoration of the building will create job opportunities and stimulate the local economy.
“We hope that this proposal will be approved and the restoration of the old Resident’s building will serve as a testament to our city’s rich history and culture,” Chiew remarked.
The collaboration between the state and federal ministries will bring forth a new era of cultural and heritage conservation for the city of Miri. The old Miri Resident’s building will serve as a beacon of the city’s cultural and historical significance, for generations to come.
Source: Borneo Post
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