Abdul Karim flags off the Tunnel Boat race while Lukanisman (second right) and others look on.

MIRI: The Sarawak government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports is currently making an effort to bring back Niah Caves’ human remains, which are now being kept at museums overseas.

Its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the human remains would be displayed at new Sarawak Museum Complex in Kuching.

“There is archaeological evidence which shows that Niah Caves was inhabited by humans about 65,000 years ago compared to the 40,000 years of inhabitation based on the first research.

“This finding has proven that civilisation in Sarawak is much older than other prehistoric areas, and these historical facts, of course, will attract more tourists both local and foreign to Niah Caves,” he said in his address when officiating at Sepupok Water Sport Festival in Niah yesterday.

Abdul Karim added effort to upgrade infrastructure at Niah Caves was also part of the Sarawak government’s effort to push Niah Caves be listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

“This development project is the aspiration of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who wants to see more transformation works in Niah.

“I am sure that this effort would definitely contribute positive impact, particularly on tourism, to generate more economic activities benefitting the people living in this area.”

Later, he performed an earth-breaking ceremony for the Niah Waterfront project.

He also announced a government grant of RM50,000 for organising various programmes in Niah.

Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus and Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni were also present.