KUCHING – A formal ceremony was held on 7 July to mark the temporary transfer of significant Lingga-Banting Government heritage materials to the Sarawak Museum Department.
The items, personally owned by His Excellency the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, will be replicated to ensure their preservation and accessibility for future generations.
Representing His Excellency at the event was YBhg. Dato Sri Haji Syed Hamzah bin Syed Paie, Senior Private Secretary to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak. The Sarawak Museum Department was represented by Deputy Director Puan Yasmin Khalid Nicholls.
The ceremony was also attended by museum officers, including Dr Awangku Shahir bin Awang Suhaili, Puan Siti Haznah Wasli, Puan Nurliyana Lugluyah, Puan Chai Baw Ching, Puan Zullina Haji Husaini, and Encik Mohd Ismail, as well as Ustaz Wan Ariffin from UiTM and Encik Wan Hussin, who attended as heirs.
The event commenced with the signing of the Agreement for the Provisional Handover of Lingga-Banting Kingdom Heritage Materials.
This agreement formalised the collaboration between the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak and the Sarawak Museum Department, enabling the production of replicas and copies of the treasured artefacts. Following the signing, five heritage items were officially handed over.
These included the Ben Yahya Lingga-Banting Family Genealogy Manuscript, the Lingga-Banting Kingdom Code, the Lingga-Banting Kingdom History and Genealogy Manuscript, a heritage sword, and three heritage spears.
Each of these items carries immense historical and cultural value, representing the legacy of the Lingga-Banting Kingdom. The initiative to replicate these materials is part of a broader effort to safeguard Sarawak’s heritage.
By creating accurate copies, the original artefacts can be preserved under secure conditions while replicas are made available for public viewing. This approach ensures that the cultural significance of the items remains accessible without compromising their integrity.
Once the replication process is complete, the original materials will be returned to His Excellency the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.
The replicas will be displayed in the waiting room of the Sarawak State Palace and at the Sarawak Malay Museum, Wisma Melayu AKYBMS. These exhibitions will allow the public to engage with the state’s rich history and heritage in a meaningful way.
Heritage experts have emphasised that such initiatives are vital for cultural continuity. Replication projects not only protect fragile artefacts but also provide educational opportunities for younger generations to learn about Sarawak’s historical governance and traditions.
The Lingga-Banting materials, in particular, highlight the importance of genealogy, codes of governance, and symbolic weaponry in the region’s past.
The ceremony underscored Sarawak’s commitment to preserving its cultural identity while making heritage accessible to the wider community.
It reflects ongoing efforts by the state to balance conservation with public engagement, ensuring that historical treasures remain relevant and appreciated in modern society.
