BAU (Sarawak): Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Anthony Nogeh Gumbek wants the construction of the RM7.6 million Bung Bratak Heritage Centre (BBHC) here to be completed within the contract period, which ends in Sept 2017.

Hence, he called on the contractor to work closely with the Bau District Council, Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA) and the nearby villagers to ensure smooth implementation of the project being built on the 300-metre high hilltop of Bung Bratak (Mount Bratak) at Kampung Tebawang Sauh here.

“The heritage centre is the pride of the Bidayuh Jagoi-Bratak community to remind them of their origin and to treasure and showcase their heritage and cultures,” said Nogeh, who is also Mas Gading Member of Parliament at the launch of the BBHC here Saturday.

He thanked the federal Ministry of Tourism and Culture for approving a fund of RM8 million for the project.

Nogeh also suggested that activities, which could benefit the community and attract visitors to the centre, including homestay and cultural programmes be held.

BBHA chairman Datuk Peter Minos said the heritage centre is to honour and perpetuate the history and heritage of Bung Bratak, the original and ancient ancestral home of the Jagoi-Bratak Bidayuh.

“It will also be a centre for research on Bidayuh culture, customs and traditions, arts and artifacts, traditional dances and music and on the natural things and environment found on Bung Bratak,” he said.

When fully completed, he said, it would have two traditional longhouses – one for accommodation of up to 100 guests and another one for a big conference hall, function rooms, an office and a mini museum.

– BERNAMA