KUCHING: Sarawak is hopeful that Niah National Park will be designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site next year, according to Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts for the state stated that there are still two more stages to go through, one in November and another in early next year. This follows a recent evaluation mission by a team from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos), an advisory body to Unesco, which visited Niah from September 29 to October 4.
“I have to remain optimistic. The Icomos representatives who conducted the inspection were satisfied with the site,” Abdul Karim explained to reporters on Tuesday (October 17).
Earlier reports indicated that Sarawak was proposing Niah’s cave complex as a mixed category World Heritage Site, encompassing both natural and cultural heritage. The final dossier was submitted to Unesco in January of this year.
If successful, Niah will become Sarawak’s second Unesco World Heritage Site, following Gunung Mulu National Park in 2000.
Abdul Karim emphasized Sarawak’s dedication to conserving and safeguarding its heritage sites.
“Our intentions go beyond tourism. We understand that Unesco does not simply advocate for the pursuit of visitor numbers. Therefore, any promotional or infrastructural efforts must meet the requirements set by Unesco,” he stated.
Furthermore, he revealed that Sarawak is also in the process of officially designating other heritage sites and buildings in the state.
“We are actively working towards this. Our objective is to ensure that these sites are well-preserved for future generations,” Abdul Karim concluded.
