KUCHING: Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep aims to hold a celebration on Dec 31 commemorating 200 years of gold mining history in Bau, which has been proven to have started in the 1820’s.
“We have written to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and I have been called tomorrow (Dec 16) to brief him whether it is 200 years or less than 200 years,” he said at a symposium on the 200-year history of gold mining in Bau District at Grand Margherita Hotel here today.
He said speakers at the event had provided him with the necessary insight regarding this question, adding that new findings had also proven that gold mining had existed for 200 years in Bau.
“The 1820’s was a period of gold mining production and when it was being exported out to other countries,” he said.
While there may not be large-scale gold mining operations now, exploration and research procedures are still part of the process and there are mining leases still valid until 2033, he pointed out.
“This is how I am going to justify it to the chief minister,” he said, adding that they were awaiting confirmation on the date of the event as well as Abang Johari’s availability to grace the occasion.
Jinep said the event would feature exhibitions, write-ups from speakers on their findings and the importance of gold mining in Bau, and products to showcase to the public to increase awareness.
“We want to live a legacy that gold has something to do with Bau’s development,” he said.
He pointed out Bau was very significant in Sarawak as historically its rich gold resources had attracted attention from numerous countries such as China and England.
As for whether mining operations would be continued in Bau, he said that was not for him to answer.
“But that is a question that we are going to have. Are we going to continue with mining or are we going to have an alternative source to provide employment, business opportunities, and development to better Bau, meaning not to be left like how it was for the past 200 years,” he said, pointing out that Bau was still far behind in terms of development.
With regard to the Bau Development Blueprint 2016-2030, Jinep hoped the research and studies being done by the consultant would improve the district’s tourism posts to boost social economic activities for residents in the area.
Also present were Deputy State Secretary Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh, Sarawak Museum Department officer Aurelia Liu, Sehati Research Institute director Dr Voon Jan Cham, Sarawak Chinese Academic Research Association president Dr Julitta Lim and other representatives.
