Sarawak delegation takes cues on heritage management for Niah National Park from Taj Mahal visit

Len Talif (seated right) poses for a group photo with the Sarawak delegation during a visit to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in India. Photo credit: Len Talif Salleh

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 30: A Sarawak delegation visiting India had the opportunity to learn best practices to apply to managing Niah National Park in Miri as a Unesco World Heritage Site by visiting the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

In a news report by TVS, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh highlighted that the Taj Mahal remains magnificent despite being over 400-years-old.

He noted that the incredible Mughal architecture, which combines Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic styles, as not only a historical heritage but also a continuing tourist attraction.

“During the visit, we were briefed by one of the officers about the historic buildings of the world heritage (site). There, we learned many new things to enhance the potential of our country’s historic sites, especially in Sarawak,” he told TVS when contacted today.

Len Talif, who is heading the Sarawak delegation in India, explained that the visit aimed to learn the best practices for managing Niah National Park after its designation as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The delegation also visited Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid in New Delhi.

“I take this opportunity to thank the Indian government for giving us the space, opportunity, and warm hospitality to visit the Unesco heritage sites in New Delhi. God willing, the knowledge we gain will be applied to managing Niah National Park,” he said.

Additionally, the declaration of Niah National Park as a Unesco World Heritage Site at the 46th Unesco World Heritage Committee Conference marked another historic milestone for Sarawak, following Mulu National Park in 2000.

“This is further evidence of the high commitment of the Sarawak government, led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, in preserving and protecting natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

“This success is also due to the close cooperation between all State and federal government agencies, strongly supported by the people of Sarawak, especially the local community in the Niah area,” Len Talif added. — DayakDaily