KUCHING: Efforts to revive Santubong as a prominent heritage and tourism site are expected to generate new economic opportunities while preserving its cultural legacy.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said that the ‘Program Seminar Warisan Santubong: Eksplorasi Ilmu & Jejak Tamadun’ (Santubong Heritage Seminar: Exploration of Knowledge & Traces of Civilisation) event was aimed at highlighting the historical significance of Santubong and enhancing appreciation for the area’s cultural heritage.
She said the initiative, jointly organised with the State Archives Department at CENTEXS Santubong today, aims to raise community awareness and document local stories as part of Sarawak’s heritage record.
Nancy, who also serves as Santubong Member of Parliament, said the narratives would provide valuable references for guides and historians to share Santubong’s rich history with visitors, thereby boosting the local economy.
“With the Sarawak Government’s support, we can redevelop this area so it regains its status as a renowned destination,” she said.
Nancy added that preserving Santubong’s legacy aligns with state efforts to promote heritage tourism while protecting sites such as Sungai Jaong, Bongkissam and Bukit Maras.
She also commended local authors for publishing works on Santubong’s history, saying their contributions help promote Sarawak’s heritage to a wider audience.
During the session, Nancy also addressed questions about the care economy, particularly the role of Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres (PDK).
She explained that PDKs are community-run centres, with financial support provided by the government through the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
“For the first time, our ministry through JKM is providing up to RM100,000 to help communities operate PDKs. Each year, when they submit their reports, we allocate up to RM50,000 for administrative costs,” she said.
Nancy said the allowance for PDK staff has been increased from RM800 to RM1,200, while those with longer service now receive up to RM1,700.
Trainees with disabilities (OKU) are also given RM300 monthly, double the previous amount.
While there are currently no plans to raise the allowance further, she encouraged PDK committees to seek partnerships and corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding to supplement their income.
On disaster preparedness, particularly for the monsoon season and upcoming elections in Sabah, Nancy assured that all relevant agencies are ready, with officers, counsellors and psychologists stationed at relief centres to assist victims.
“If more manpower is needed, we can quickly deploy officers from unaffected areas, including Johor or Sarawak,” she said.
Nancy added that lessons from past disasters have strengthened inter-agency coordination, ensuring faster aid delivery and more efficient disaster management nationwide.
