SIBU: Residents of Kampung Hilir, Kampung Datu Lama, and Kampung Datu Baru are urged to give their full cooperation to the State Library (PUSTAKA) in their effort involving Archiving Today’s Knowledge and Records for Tomorrow’s Accessibility and Browsing (AKRAB) Series 2.
According to Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee, AKRAB is important for preserving the history of a settlement that is about to undergo development in Sarawak.
“I urge those who have old items such as woks, kettles, old irons, and so on, to share them with PUSTAKA so that we can preserve them if we create a gallery as a remembrance,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the closing ceremony of the Archiving Today’s Knowledge and Record for Tomorrow’s Accessibility and Browsing (AKRAB) programme at the Dewan Persatuan Melayu Melanau Sibu on Sunday.
Meanwhile, chief executive officer (CEO) of the State Library, Japri Bujang Masli, said that community archives and family histories play a crucial role in preserving collective memory, cultural identity, and community heritage.
“They provide personal and community perspectives that complement official records and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of history,” he said.
He added that AKRAB Series 2 involves Kampung Datu, Kampung Hilir, Kampung Bandung, Kampung Nangka, and Kampung Bahru.
“Some key importance of personal historical sources and the origins of settlements are to preserve identity and cultural heritage, foster community unity, serve as a resource for research and education, and assist policymakers in decision-making,” he said.
