Abdul Karim (centre) stresses his point during the press conference. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (June 24): The Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) has been called on to urgently rebuild the Bidayuh House at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), which was destroyed by a fire last year.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said delays in restoring the popular attraction could result in missed tourism opportunities, particularly as Sarawak continues to attract increasing numbers of visitors.
“I have raised it recently with the new director of SEDC because Sarawak Cultural Village does not come under my purview.
“But because it is a tourism-related subject matter, and I can see that the Bidayuh Longhouse is a very, very popular longhouse, I have informed them that it needs to be rebuilt,” he told a press conference after officiating at the BIMP-Eaga Tourism Exchange (BETX) 2026 here.
Abdul Karim said his ministry is prepared to bring the matter to the Sarawak Cabinet if necessary to ensure the project proceeds.
“We are prepared to put up a Cabinet paper. I have even asked the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) if it was okay because it is under another ministry. He said ‘Yes, I’m still waiting for SEDC.’,” he shared.
Expressing hope that the corporation would act swiftly, Abdul Karim stressed that timing is crucial in the tourism industry.
“I hope SEDC can move quickly because if the tourism industry is delayed, it goes quiet. You have to strike when it’s hot,” he added.
Visitors look at the rubble of the Bidayuh House at SCV on Oct 13, 2025. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
The Bidayuh House, one of SCV’s iconic attractions, was destroyed in a fire in October last year.
Following the incident, Abdul Karim had proposed that the structure be rebuilt and indicated that the matter would be brought to the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) for consideration.
At the time, he expressed hope that discussions on the rebuilding project could begin quickly, with construction potentially commencing as early as January this year in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
The fire was estimated to have caused losses exceeding RM2 million, including damage to the building, artefacts, and cultural heritage value associated with the structure.
