SRI AMAN – The Sarawak Government has announced plans to expand its heritage conservation efforts by proposing that Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in Banting, Lingga be gazetted as a heritage site under the Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, said the church, built in 1859, holds significant historical and cultural value. He stressed that official recognition would ensure its preservation for future generations.
Speaking at the Pantu District Merarau Ngiling Tikai Gawai Dayak Ceremony at the Sri Aman Civic Centre on Thursday, Datuk Snowdan explained that gazetting the church would protect it from uncontrolled development while strengthening the cultural identity of the local community.
He added that the move would enrich Sarawak’s heritage assets and highlight the importance of safeguarding historic treasures.
The Balai Ringin Assemblyman noted that the initiative would also encourage greater community involvement in conservation efforts.
By engaging local residents directly, the process is expected to raise awareness of the importance of preserving heritage sites and foster a stronger sense of ownership.
However, he clarified that the gazetting process can only proceed once approval is obtained from the Anglican Church, particularly the Bishops of the Anglican Church of Sarawak and Brunei. This step ensures that the decision respects the authority and traditions of the church.
At the same event, Datuk Snowdan announced an allocation of RM20,000 to the Pantu District Office to support social and cultural programmes.
In addition, Sri Aman Member of Parliament Doris Sophia Brodi, through her representative, contributed RM10,000 to further strengthen community initiatives.
The ceremony was attended by several local leaders, including Sri Aman Divisional Resident Mahra Salleh, Pantu District Officer Raca Mulong, Sri Aman District Police Chief Superintendent Dennis Bunyam, Sri Aman District Officer representative Joshua Martin Jantan, and Lingga District Officer representative Nurshazani Fadli Salihin.
The proposal to gazette Saint Paul’s Anglican Church reflects Sarawak’s broader commitment to heritage conservation.
By protecting historic landmarks, the state aims to preserve cultural identity, promote tourism, and ensure that future generations can continue to appreciate Sarawak’s rich history.
