KUCHING: The Melanau Welfare Trust has received a grant of RM193,006 from the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg to support the development and operation of the Uya Melanau Heritage Centre.
The handover ceremony, held at Sungai Sungai on Thursday morning, was also witnessed by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and Sarawak Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato’ Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
Dato’ Seri Fatimah said the grant signifies the Sarawak government’s continued commitment to preserving and promoting the Melanau community’s rich cultural heritage.
“The Melanau Heritage Centre is a people’s project funded by the Sarawak Premier and is now officially open to the public. The museum not only showcases the history and culture of the Melanau people, but also serves as an education and tourism platform for locals and international visitors,” she told reporters after the ceremony.
She added that the first two phases of the centre’s construction have been completed, and the third phase is now in the planning stage.
“The upcoming phase will feature ten main sections focusing on Melanau customs, traditions and notable historical figures. We also plan to introduce interactive cultural experiences such as traditional dance workshops, food showcases and ancient medicinal practices,” she added.
Earlier during the same ceremony, the Premier of Sarawak also presented funding to several other organisations:
- Datuk Chua Boon Tok, President of the Sarawak Subsidized Chinese Primary Schools Association
- Datuk Liu Limin, Chairman of the Sarawak Chinese Independent Secondary Schools Association
- Lieutenant General Datuk Stephen Mundal, Advisor of the Sarawak Veterans Association
These contributions further reflect the state’s inclusive and people-focused development approach, aimed at strengthening the social and cultural fabric of Sarawak.
