Among the old mosques which still exist in Sarawak is the mosque in Kampung Masjid, Bintulu. The first mosque constructed by local Muslims in Bintulu was built in 1917 in the Kampung Masjid on the same site as it is today.

According to local historians, the late Datu Abang Abdullah Ishak, better known name as ‘Suvau’, a ‘Native Officer’ during the Brooke era, had led local residents together to build the mosque. He was also appointed as the first imam of the mosque.

In the 1950s, the first mosque was demolished and replaced with a new building on the same site as still available today.

Recently we had the opportunity to visit and pray in the historic mosque that is located in the middle of Bintulu town. According to local residents, a new mosque will be built for Kampung Masjid and most likely the old mosque will be demolished soon. This is certainly a great loss for the Muslims who had long stayed there who still love the old mosque which is full of memories and nostalgia.

If possible the old mosque should be restored and gazetted as a heritage site in Bintulu.

We urge the government of Sarawak to be aware of the need for conservation of historic buildings as a national heritage so that they do not become extinct in the passage of time. Though development is needed, the historic building site should be preserved.

Many historic buildings have been destroyed in this country for development purposes. To ensure the heritage monuments are not lost and it can be viewed by future generations, the government needs to maintain and refurbish the building.

Many tourists, local and from outside, may be interested to visit and see the design features and the unique cultural elements of the historic building. Indirectly, the historic building still retains the characteristics of a bygone era heritage and can still be seen by future generations if the government takes concern to preserve the heritage of the age.

We hope the government will pay attention to the matter and immediately proclaim the historic building as a national heritage. Save our historic building from the destruction of development.

JOFRI JARAIEE is Sarawak PAS commissioner-cum-Miri PAS chief.