Resident’s, DO building to become a museum
MIRI: Sarawak Museum Department will carry out an in- depth research before commencing renovation works on the former Miri Resident’s and District Office building and turning it into a museum.
The curator of Sarawak Museum Department, Dayang Norzanah Awang Haddy, said the renovation project, which will be carried out in two phases, will include the Sarawak Islamic Department (Jais) Miri office which is located at the end of the building.
“The first phase will include maintenance and renovation works inside and at the front area of the main building that housed the former Resident’s and District Office as well as Jais Miri office.
“The second phase will be renovation of the back part of the building, where the smaller offices and rooms are located,” she explained.
When asked about the cost of the renovation project, she said
The first phase will include maintenance and renovation works inside and at the front area of the main building that housed the former Resident’s and District Office as well as Jais Miri office.
they had not come up with any estimation yet as it was still at the research level.
“At the moment we are still at the level of designing the interior part of the museum,” she said, adding that the building will be turned into Miri History, Art and Culture Museum.
It will be the second museum in this city and third in Miri Division. The first museum is Miri Petroleum Museum located on top of the Canada Hill, while the second one is Museum Fort Hose in Marudi, which is also in Miri Division.
Touching on historical items to be displayed in the museum, Dayang said the department will gather assistance from experts in the field, especially those with knowledge on Miri’s history, art and culture.
Earlier, Dayang witnessed the signing of handing- over documents by Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis, which was later presented to her, together with the keys to the building.
Meanwhile, Antonio said the historical building will become a tourist attraction and pride of Mirians once the renovation works are completed and the building is officially made a museum.
On a small cannon in front of the Resident’s Office, Antonio hoped the management of the museum will preserve it and place it in any spot in the new museum building later, saying it is the trademark of the Resident’s Office and has
Dayang Norzanah Awang Haddy, curator of Sarawak Museum Department
been placed there since the James Brooke era.
“This is one of the oldest district offices in Miri and it was built during the James Brooke era and was made the centre for administrative offices here.
“In 1912, it was turned into Miri Resident’s Office and that has lasted until now, March 2017,” he disclosed.
Meanwhile, all the three offices in the building, namely Miri Resident’s Office, Miri District Office and Jais Miri were relocated to Baitulmal Complex early last month.
This was followed by the handing- over of the building to Sarawak Museum Department yesterday.