Heritage book chronicling five decades of Bau’s history and development launched

BAU : A pictorial book documenting five decades of Bau’s history and heritage was launched by Deputy Minister of Transport Sarawak (Riverine and Marine), Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, last Friday (October 16).

Titled ‘Memories Beneath the Gold Mountain: A Pictorial Chronicle of Bau, 1976-2026’, the book was published in collaboration with the Bau Hwa Gong History Society and launched at a ceremony in Bau town, according to a statement.

Henry, who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the author, William Chai Nyun Pui, for his efforts in producing the book.

Chai is a local writer, seasoned journalist and photographer, and also a stringer and feature writer for Sarawak Tribune.

The book brings together 38 selected articles with colour and black-and-white photographs, documenting Bau’s development from 1976 to 2026. Its contents explore the district’s history, social events, cultural heritage, historical sites and natural beauty.

Many of the scenes captured in the photographs no longer exist, making them valuable visual records of a bygone era.

“Documentation efforts such as this are highly meaningful because the history of a district is preserved not only in its buildings and historical sites, but also in the experiences, life stories and memories of the people who have shaped its identity,” he said in his speech.

Henry added that the publication would serve as a valuable reference for the community, particularly younger generations, to learn about Bau’s history and appreciate its heritage.

“I hope that efforts of this kind will continue to encourage our community to preserve local history so that it can be passed down to future generations.

“I would also like to congratulate Chai, who is my former teacher at SMK Lake in the 1980s and 1990s, on the publication of this book. May his efforts continue to inspire more individuals to document the history, culture and development of our community,” he said.

Bau Hwa Gong History Society’s Chairman, Pemanca Bong Jong Long thanked Henry for his generous support in publishing the book.

He also thanked Bau District Officer Eddy Nayoi, Bau District Council Secretary Ong Chin Ping, society members, community leaders and others who helped make the publication a success.