Niah National Park Caves Complex listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & NURIN PATRA

BAU: The Niah National Park Caves Complex in Miri has been officially listed as the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said following this, Sarawak has now gained growing prominence on the global stage.

“This afternoon, I was on my way to the Gawai Carnival Redeems 2024. I have good news from India. UNESCO has a meeting in India to decide on declaring a UNESCO cultural heritage site.

“And one of the candidates to be considered in the world, they have to declare only one. The good news is that Niah Caves Complex is now considered a world cultural heritage under UNESCO,” he said.

He said this in his speech during the Gawai Carnival Redeems 2024 at Bidayuh Cultural Village Redeems, Bau here last night (July 27).

He said he was informed by Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh who was in India, with other delegates.

“This means Sarawak now has two (UNESCO sites). One is Mulu, and now Niah. In Malaysia, the Bau area is part of the Geopark, a national heritage centre on Geopark.

“Meaning if this is the attraction, Sarawak already has iconic sites, be it natural heritage or cultural heritage. Natural in Mulu and cultural heritage that reflects human civilization in Niah,” Abang Johari mentioned.

He then said the state government is taking steps to capitalise on the recognition by promoting its heritage sites and expanding tourism infrastructure.

“So, what we need to do now is bring people to see this site and therefore, the Ministry of Transport is still discussing the final part of planning on the launch of a new airline.

“By the end of the year, God willing, we will have our own airline. And this airline will be used to promote Sarawak and bring tourists and business people to Sarawak,” said Abang Johari.

Earlier, in a statement, Sarawak marked another milestone as it received the recognition during an official declaration at the 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee Meeting 2024 at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Appu Ghar, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Len expressed the pride and joy at this prestigious recognition, highlighting its importance for culture, history, and ecology.

He said the UNESCO recognition underscores the global significance of Niah National Park Caves Complex as a site of outstanding universal value.

“This is further evidence of the Sarawak government’s strong commitment to preserving and protecting our natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations,” he said.