MIRI: For years, the Petroleum Museum Miri has been in a sorry state. It opened its doors to the public in 2005 and houses the history of the petroleum industry in Sarawak and Malaysia, but it now requires urgent repairs. Not many know about the museum, located atop Canada Hill, and despite its modern design, currently uses at least 10 units of standing fans in the absence of air conditioners.
“The air conditioners broke down two years ago, and the staff here are using standing fans,” said Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting. Ting, accompanied by Miri Mayor Adam Yii, visited the premises yesterday after receiving numerous complaints about the poor conditions.
Ting revealed that an allocation amounting to RM1.3mil for repair works has been approved and at the tender calling process. “The implementing agency (the State Public Works Department) will award the tender once the tendering process is completed sometime in December this year,” Ting said. Once the project is awarded, it takes about eight months for work to be completed. He also proposed that maintenance work on the building be given to Miri City Council (MCC).
He reasoned that MCC has the manpower, including skilled engineers. Ting said he would make the proposal via his ministry to the Sarawak Museum Department. He added that the maintenance work included taking care of the exhibits.
