(Bau, 19th) REDEEMS (Sarawak Bidayuh Development and Heritage Association) plans to invest RM3.5 million to develop the “Heritage Longhouse” (Warisan Longhouse) project, which has received government support. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim has pledged to relay the plan to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, seeking governmental funding support.
At the opening ceremony of the 18th REDEEMS 2026 Gawai Dayak Carnival and Band Competition held last night on behalf of the Premier, Abdul Karim stated that this heritage center project holds important significance for preserving and promoting Bidayuh culture.
“Today I cannot make any decision on behalf of the Premier, but I will certainly convey to him the necessity of establishing this cultural center, as it will become an important place for gathering all Bidayuh cultural relics,” he said.
Earlier, REDEEMS chairman Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie said the association has already applied to the Sarawak government for an RM3.5 million allocation to complete construction of the Heritage Longhouse.
He said the cultural heritage center will feature an information center, souvenir shop, Bidayuh cultural exhibition hall, traditional longhouse display units, workshops, exhibition spaces, and an underground parking lot with capacity for 50 cars.
“We have written to the Sarawak Premier to apply for funding, hoping that the Premier will approve it so that we can further promote the development of Sarawak arts, handicrafts and culture, while also enhancing Sarawak’s tourism industry,” he said.
Nansian also stated that REDEEMS proposes to build a tarred car park beside the main road in front of the center, extending from Potik Road junction to Kampung Apar Road junction.
He said the car park will accommodate hundreds of cars and be equipped with street lighting—making it convenient for visitors to REDEEMS center, as well as benefiting SMK Singai, the district education office, and residents of villages along the Apar-Segong Road.
Looking ahead, he said that once the Heritage Longhouse and car park projects are completed, REDEEMS hopes to host an International Tribal Festival (ITF) and turn this center into a new cultural tourism attraction.
Abdul Karim stated that the proposed Heritage Longhouse is not just a building, but will become an important center for the preservation and promotion of Bidayuh cultural heritage, aligning with Sarawak government’s overall efforts to protect the cultures of all ethnic groups.
He said Sarawak is home to 34 ethnic groups, which is one of the state's greatest strengths. Every ethnicity possesses its own unique language, customs and traditions, all of which deserve equal recognition.
“Every ethnicity, regardless of population size, should have a place of its own.
“Each group has unique cultural contributions, and it is our shared responsibility to preserve these cultural heritages and pass them on to the next generation,” he said.
He noted that this philosophy is reflected in the name of the “Borneo Cultures Museum,” where the word “Cultures” (plural) emphasizes that Borneo’s cultural identity is shaped by many ethnic groups, not just one.
Abdul Karim said that cultural heritage protection is not just about displaying artifacts, but also includes preservation of language, performing arts, music, dance, traditional knowledge, and local cuisine—ensuring these cultural elements continue to thrive and remain relevant to future society.
He added that community-driven projects like the Heritage Longhouse will complement the state government’s efforts in preserving indigenous cultural heritage, while also creating new opportunities for education, cultural exchange, and tourism development.
“Today I cannot make any decision on behalf of the Premier, but I will certainly convey to him the necessity of establishing this cultural center, as it will become an important place for gathering all Bidayuh cultural relics,” he said.
Earlier, REDEEMS chairman Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie said the association has already applied to the Sarawak government for an RM3.5 million allocation to complete construction of the Heritage Longhouse.
He said the cultural heritage center will feature an information center, souvenir shop, Bidayuh cultural exhibition hall, traditional longhouse display units, workshops, exhibition spaces, and an underground parking lot with capacity for 50 cars.
“We have written to the Sarawak Premier to apply for funding, hoping that the Premier will approve it so that we can further promote the development of Sarawak arts, handicrafts and culture, while also enhancing Sarawak’s tourism industry,” he said.
Nansian also stated that REDEEMS proposes to build a tarred car park beside the main road in front of the center, extending from Potik Road junction to Kampung Apar Road junction.
He said the car park will accommodate hundreds of cars and be equipped with street lighting—making it convenient for visitors to REDEEMS center, as well as benefiting SMK Singai, the district education office, and residents of villages along the Apar-Segong Road.
Looking ahead, he said that once the Heritage Longhouse and car park projects are completed, REDEEMS hopes to host an International Tribal Festival (ITF) and turn this center into a new cultural tourism attraction.
Abdul Karim stated that the proposed Heritage Longhouse is not just a building, but will become an important center for the preservation and promotion of Bidayuh cultural heritage, aligning with Sarawak government’s overall efforts to protect the cultures of all ethnic groups.
He said Sarawak is home to 34 ethnic groups, which is one of the state's greatest strengths. Every ethnicity possesses its own unique language, customs and traditions, all of which deserve equal recognition.
“Every ethnicity, regardless of population size, should have a place of its own.
“Each group has unique cultural contributions, and it is our shared responsibility to preserve these cultural heritages and pass them on to the next generation,” he said.
He noted that this philosophy is reflected in the name of the “Borneo Cultures Museum,” where the word “Cultures” (plural) emphasizes that Borneo’s cultural identity is shaped by many ethnic groups, not just one.
Abdul Karim said that cultural heritage protection is not just about displaying artifacts, but also includes preservation of language, performing arts, music, dance, traditional knowledge, and local cuisine—ensuring these cultural elements continue to thrive and remain relevant to future society.
He added that community-driven projects like the Heritage Longhouse will complement the state government’s efforts in preserving indigenous cultural heritage, while also creating new opportunities for education, cultural exchange, and tourism development.