THE recently completed Brooke Dockyard Industrial Heritage Museum will offer visitors a unique glimpse into Sarawak’s industrial history.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the dockyard, established by the second Rajah, Sir Charles Brooke, played a crucial role in ship repairs in Sarawak.
“With this museum, we aim to upgrade and showcase its rich history for both locals and tourists,” he said, noting that the museum is targeted to open in the first quarter of next year.
The minister also highlighted other major tourism initiatives, including the Santubong Archaeological Park and Wallace Centre, both launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Oct 4.
“The park features evidence of an ancient iron industry, maritime trade, and early religious practices from the 9th to 14th centuries, while the Wallace Centre celebrates British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace and his Sarawakian assistant, Ali,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech in the State Legislative Assembly today (Dec 2).
Other ongoing projects include the redevelopment of the MBKS Swimming Pool into a Water Fun Park and UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy centre, expected to be completed by the second quarter of next year, and the Performing Arts Centre at the Old DUN Building, scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027.
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), Abdul Karim stated his ministry will continue to prioritise key projects such as the Sarawak Craft Centre, Kuching Waterfront rejuvenation, Darul Hana Malay Heritage Museum, Bau Gold Mine Museum and Park, Sadong Jaya Mangrove Tourism, and the transformation of Miri Petroleum Museum.
“Conservation and upgrading of historical forts, including Fort Lili, Fort Brooke, Fort Emma, Fort Arundell, and Fort Hose, will also be undertaken to safeguard Sarawak’s cultural assets.
“The ministry is working closely with the federal government to accelerate tourism growth in Sarawak, including the establishment of Special Tourism Investment Zones (STIZ) and funding for the upgrading and redevelopment of key facilities such as Taman Jubli Bukit Aup, Sibu, and various projects under the Program Pemulihan, Pemuliharaan, Ubahsuai dan Naik Taraf (PPUN),” he said.
