27-28 November 2024: The Sarawak Museum Department has organized a Research Workshop on the Bating Marao Battle Site at the Rentap Commander's Hall, Betong, which was attended by 88 participants consisting of various stakeholders such as the Betong Resident Office, the Sarawak Regional Marine Department, the Land and Survey Department Sarawak, Sarawak Rivers Board, Pusa District Office, Saratok District Office, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Community Leaders, Tribal Leaders in Betong, Kabong, Saratok and Pusa Districts and Associations Kabong Fishermen, Beladin Fishermen's Association.
       This workshop aims to study the potential of the Marao Shoal War Site in the context of a maritime archaeological survey and the study of history, figures, folklore, historical objects, buildings, and monuments related to the Marao Shoal War that took place on July 31, 1849. This study is expected to unearth more a lot of information and strengthen our understanding of historical events that have a great impact on the formation of Sarawak's history.
       This research collaboration involves experts such as Prof. Associate Dr. Asyaari Muhamad (National University of Malaysia), Prof.Associate Dr. Saimi bin Bujang, Prof. Associate Dr. Abdul Razak Bin Abdul Kadir (Mara University of Technology), Dr. Auni Binti Ugong, Dr. Nicholas anak Gani (University of Malaysia Sarawak), and Dr. Gregory Ak Kiyai (University of Malaya). This workshop is a collective effort to preserve this precious history for future generations. Thank you to everyone who attended this workshop.