Segu Bungalow in sorry state, needs repair
KUCHING: Urgent remedial work is needed to stop the damage done by termites and years of neglect to the Segu Bungalow.
Funds are required to restore the bungalow to its former glory so that it can be open to the public. Also, the Annex needs to be refurbished so that it can host heritage-related talks and workshops.
The Segu Bungalow was originally located by the bank of Sungei Segu, a tributary of the Sarawak River near present day Kpg Giam (near Kpg Benuk). Built in the late 19th century by Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke, it was used as his holiday home and also served as an informal up-river administrative centre.
Around 1949, Tom Harrison, the then Curator of Sarawak Museum, moved the structure to its present location at Lorong Park in Kuching and lived there until 1966.
Our mission is to support Sarawak’s heritage through its museum. The organisation is a platform for similar societies to increase awareness of and participation in local culture and heritage.
During the time, he enlisted several Kenyah artists to paint the original murals that adorn the bungalow’s ceiling panels.
Unfortunately, over the years, apart from minor repairs, the building has been left vacant and subject to the forces of nature and vandalism. It has fallen into disrepair. Since, 2010, the Sarawak Museum has entrusted Friends of the Sarawak Museum ( FoSM) with the upkeep of Segu Bungalow. Presently, it houses the FoSM office and a small resource library. FoSM is a non-profit, nongovernment organisation working in support of, but independently from, Sarawak Museum.
“Our mission is to support Sarawak’s heritage through its museum. The organisation is a platform for similar societies to increase awareness of and participation in local culture and heritage.
“The Museum Department is responsible for so many heritage sites. It is understandable that they need help with conservation, especially in this weather,” said its executive director Louise Maul when contacted yesterday.
She said FoSM was trying to be a good steward of Sarawak’s heritage in maintaining this building (Segu Bungalow).
Donations in cash, cheque or online bank transfer, can be made to ‘ Persatuan Rakan Muzium Sarawak’ ( FoSM) via its CIMB Bank account (8005134889).
Louise Maul, Sarawak Museum executive director