KUCHING: More research should be conducted on Sarawak’s natural heritage and history to gain a deeper understanding of human civilization in the region, according to Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Sarawak Premier stated that the state’s history can be traced back to the discovery of a human settlement in the Niah Caves.
“Initially, it was believed that the settlement in Niah was around 40,000 years old,” he said.
“However, recent studies conducted by an Australian university and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) reveal that signs of civilization in the region date back approximately 60,000 years.
“This is a significant discovery in the field of civilization research in this part of the world,” he announced while inaugurating the national-level celebration of International Museum Day at the Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching on Monday (July 31).
Abang Johari emphasized the need for more comprehensive research to shed further light on the development of civilization in the state.
In addition, he highlighted the important discoveries made by British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace and Italian botanist Odoardo Beccari in Sarawak during the 19th century.
“The Natural History Museum in London has a section dedicated to the butterflies Wallace collected from Sarawak,” he revealed.
“We have a rich heritage in Sarawak that we want to share with the world, and we hope researchers will continue to study it,” he added.
Abang Johari also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for selecting Sarawak as the host of the International Museum Day celebration.
He highlighted the development of the Borneo Cultures Museum as one of the largest in the region, attracting over 700,000 visitors since its opening in March last year.
“The past influences the present, and the present shapes the future,” he remarked.
“As we exhibit our history and past events to share with visitors, we also enrich our culture and knowledge, allowing us to shape our future,” he concluded.
Themed “Museums, Sustainability and Wellbeing,” the celebration will run until Saturday (Aug 5) and feature a special exhibition by 31 participating museums, as well as other activities including a sape workshop, curator crash course, and cultural performances.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
