KUCHING: The state government has approved a proposal to conserve and upgrade the 136-year-old Fort Hose in Marudi, Baram.
The conservation and upgrading work on the historic building will be carried out under the 11th Malaysia Plan, disclosed Sarawak Museum Department in a press statement yesterday.
According to the department, throughout its existence, Fort Hose had contributed immensely towards the social development and in preserving the cultures of the local populace.
Prior to commencing the conservation and upgrading work, the statement said it was the responsibility of the Sarawak Museum Department to hold a ritual ceremony.
This is out of respect and to be sensitive to the cultures and tradition of the local community, especially those residing in Marudi where the fort is situated.
The statement said the same applies to all other forts throughout Sarawak, adding that ritual ceremonies such as “miring” were being held at Fort Margherita, Fort Emma, Fort Alice and the old Sarawak Museum building by the Iban community.
As for Fort Hose, it was decided that the blessing ceremony would be performed in accordance with the Christian faith, by virtue of the area being inhabited by predominantly Christians.
