KUCHING: On a brightly warm afternoon of 5th July 2017, the Heritage Society of RCBM Hospital (HSoRCBMH) was honoured with a visit from Jason Desmond Anthony Brooke, and Liza Sideni – the General Manager of Brooke Gallery in Fort Margherita.
They were received by the President of HSoRCBMH, Angie and the Society’s Secretary, Pauline, together with the Hospital Director, Dr Joe. Jason and Liza were both briefed with the history of leprosy in Borneo and the eventual inception of RCBM Settlement in 1925. There after, they toured around the Mini Museum and walked the ground of RCBM Hospital, which is currently in the midst of being gazetted as a heritage site.
The RCBM Hospital is the only leprosarium in the whole of Borneo and the oldest in Malaysia. Founded on 10th October 1925, it has been home to many Hansenites from different colours and faiths. It, too, has borne witness to many tears and broken hearts – the unjust cruelty that was faced by those decades ago, to be shunned and ostracised by their very own community and loved ones. The stigma, unfortunately, is still stubbornly strong in this modern era. Many of us would still shy away by the sight of a Hansenite, more so when there are disfigurements and physical handicaps.
The Heritage Society of RCBM Hospital (HSoRCBMH) aims to create public awareness on this issue and publicise the fact that although Hansen’s Disease (many would know this by the common term as ‘leprosy’) is not eradicated, but the disease is completely curable now and early treatment would leave no marks at all. History must never repeat itself again. There should never be anymore shunning of Hansenites and we must let them know that they are welcomed into our community, to be as one of us.
With this visit, the HSoRCBMH hopes that they will be able to collaborate with the Brooke Heritage Trust in the future, in preserving and conserving the heritage grounds of RCBM Hospital as well as the documentation of oral histories from a handful of Hansenites that are still living in the neighbouring village, before they take all those memories together with them into their graves.
The HSoRCBMH welcomes any agencies or NGOs that are interested in their efforts, to work together in preserving our heritage for our future generation. Those who are keen and curious could contact the President, Angie through her mobile 013 8288754 or visit their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HSoRCBMH/
