KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister cum Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land And Regional Development minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas is expected to officiate at the Handing Over Ceremony of The Conservation and Upgrading of Kubu Ili Project Site in Betong on April 18 at 9.30am at the Kubu Ili compound.
In a media statement issued by the Sarawak Museum Department, apart from the handing over ceremony, there will also be a ritual (miring) ceremony to respect the sensitivity of the local community.
“In addition to the project site submission, the ritual will be held before the ceremony is implemented, to respect the sensitivity of the local community. It will be done by the Iban community in the area,” it read.
“Before that, a thanksgiving prayer in conjunction with the Kubu Ili Conservation and Upgrading Project will also be held in the evening of April 17 at Masjid Jamek Betong,” it stated.
“Saribas assemblyman Razi Sitam is also expected to be present at the event,” it continued.
Kubu Ili was built in 1885 and is made of local ironwood belian (Eusideroxylon zwageri). Its unique roof structure is not found in other fortresses which was originally made from nipah (Arecaceae) leaves, but was replaced with belian.
During Brooke’s reign, the building had captured numerous historical events to fend off attacks from the Iban community.
“During the reign of the Brooke, the building was used as a fortress to break a series of attacks from Iban warrior Rentap. After a while, the fort was then renovated to be used as a police station and a government office,” it added.
Kubu Ili is one of the fortresses under the care of the Sarawak Museum Department, to be conserved and upgraded in the Preservation and Upgrading of Historic Fortresses Project in Sarawak through the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK11).
Upon the completion of this project, Kubu Ili will be transformed from a fortress and a government office to a museum that will showcase the history and culture of the Betong community.
