Arundell Fort to undergo restoration work next year

LUBOK ANTU: The Arundell Fort is set to undergo restoration and upgrading works starting next year through the Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA).
 
Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry, and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh said the restoration and upgrading works, costing RM5 million, will serve to preserve the heritage building and provide a reference point for future generations.
 
“The building is expected to be restored and upgraded by the year 2025,” he said when chairing the Arundell Fort preservation and upgrading briefing here recently.
 
Malcolm added that the fort would become a heritage building, thus attracting locals and tourists from outside the country.
 
After the briefing, the Batang Ai assemblyman proceeded to visit the building to assess and inspect the current state of its structure.
 
SADA special administrative officer Datuk Indit Bangai, Sri Aman district officer Richard Ngumbang, Lubok Antu District Council Community Development and Tourism secretary Tommy Laman, Lubok Antu community leaders, and representatives from the Sarawak Museum Department were among those present.
 
Arundell Fort, constructed in 1912, is located on a hill opposite the current Lubok Antu District Police Headquarters.
 
According to the Sarawak Museum Department on its website, the fort was named after the then Resident of Sri Aman, Gilbert Roget Harris Arundell, in honour of his kindness to the Iban people and the government.
 
Unfortunately, he was killed in Ulu Ai in 1942 when the Japanese attacked during World War II.
 
At present, the building is an administrative centre and houses various government agencies.