Tourism Minister: SCV’s fire-damaged Bidayuh longhouse must be rebuilt without delay

Abdul Karim addressing a press conference after officiating the launch of the BIMP-EAGA Tourism Exchange 2026 at Waterfront Hotel on June 24, 2026.

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, June 24: The iconic Bidayuh longhouse at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), which was destroyed in a fire last year, needs to be rebuilt urgently to preserve one of Sarawak’s most popular cultural attractions, with the project set to be undertaken by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the matter has already been raised with SEDC, stressing the importance of restoring the landmark without delay.

“Sarawak Cultural Village does not fall under my ministry’s jurisdiction. It is under SEDC, which is placed under another ministry.

“However, as this is a tourism-related matter, and the Bidayuh longhouse is a very popular attraction, I have already taken note of the need to have it rebuilt,” he told a press conference after officiating the launch of the BIMP-EAGA Tourism Exchange 2026 at Waterfront Hotel today.

Abdul Karim described the Bidayuh longhouse as a key tourism draw and confirmed that discussions on rebuilding it have been brought to the attention of SEDC’s new leadership.

He added that his ministry was prepared to escalate the matter to the State Cabinet should progress stall.

“We are ready to put up a paper if needed. The Premier has already agreed in principle,” he said.

Abdul Karim said he is now awaiting action from SEDC, warning that prolonged delays could affect SCV’s appeal to visitors.

“In tourism, timing is important. If we wait too long, the attraction will lose its impact,” he said.

The Bidayuh longhouse, one of SCV’s signature cultural exhibits, was damaged in a fire on Oct 12, 2025. — DayakDaily