Rumah Batu · Kuching, Sarawak · since 1863
Eight family lines. One shared heritage.
The living legacy of Datu Bandar Abang Haji Muhammad Kassim, carried forward together by every generation.
Ramah Tamah with the Premier of Sarawak, 19 April 2025 · W8-DBAK family archive
Why it matters
Heritage
A stone house raised in 1863, by family account among the earliest Sarawak Malay noble homes built of concrete and brick.
Family
Thirteen children, eight who carried the line, and now thousands of heirs across seven generations worldwide.
Wakaf
A trust sealed in the 1921 will and the 1922 declaration, confirmed by the courts in 1946 and upheld in 2016: this house belongs to all the heirs.
Future
Patient, documented restoration, so the generations to come can stand on the same verandah.
A living timeline
From its founder’s hands in 1863 to the regathering of the eight lines today.
1863
Rumah Batu is built
By family account, Rumah Batu was raised when DBAK was 22, likely a joint effort with his father. Some historical commentary places concrete construction in Sarawak closer to the 1890s; both possibilities are recorded honestly while primary evidence is reviewed.
Family account
1921
The will of DBAK31 March 1921
DBAK seals his will, written on 22 Rejab 1339. On 18 July 1921 he passes away in Mecca while performing the Hajj, aged 80; his wife Dayang Sahadah follows two days later. Both are laid to rest in Mecca.
Family document
1922
Declaration of the eightNovember 1922
The eight surviving children of DBAK agree by declaration to hold Rumah Batu as wakaf for the benefit of all heirs. (Exact date under document review: records cite both 10 and 22 November.)
Family document
1946
The courts confirm the wakaf
Decisions of the Resident Court (22 July) and Supreme Court (2 September) hold that Rumah Batu is wakaf property left by DBAK for the benefit of his heirs.
Court record
2020
Waris 8 gathering and meeting19 September 2020
For the first time in many years, representatives of all eight lines gather at UCSI Hotel, Kuching. A 16-member committee is formed, two representatives per line.
Family account
2021
Centenary of the will of DBAK3 April 2021
One hundred years after the 1921 will, the family gathers in person and online to commemorate it, with history presentations preserved on the family YouTube channel.
Family account
2025
Ramah Tamah with the Premier of Sarawak19 April 2025
A milestone moment: the extended Waris DBAK family gathers for a Ramah Tamah with the Premier of Sarawak, a mark of support for the effort to care for Rumah Batu.
Family account
Then and now
The same house, a hundred years apart. Its dignity waits to be returned.
Then — early 20th century
Now — 2020
The restoration journey
Responsible heritage work happens in stages. Each stage’s status is stated honestly, with no invented percentages.
Research & Documentation
Collecting oral histories, photographs, titles, court records and prior reports; recording the existing condition of Rumah Batu.
In progressAssessment & Stabilisation
Professional structural, architectural, material and services assessments; identifying urgent stabilisation and weatherproofing priorities.
NextConservation Design & Approvals
Conservation principles and a viable future use agreed by the heirs; designs, estimates, approvals and funding.
Future aspirationRestoration Works
Physical conservation works with photographic and technical records at every stage. The word "restored" will only be used once this work is truly complete.
Future aspirationLiving Heritage & Long-Term Care
Heritage interpretation for visitors and future generations; maintenance, governance, programming and continuing care.
Future aspiration
The eight lines
Eight children of DBAK, eight lines of descent, one amanah. Find your line and take your place in this story.
Line 1
Abang Zulkipli Akip
Line 2
Datu Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah
Later Datu Patinggi of Sarawak and administrator of the DBAK estate.
Line 3
Abang Haji Fadzil
Line 4
Abang Haji Adawi
Line 5
Dayang Zurah / Yong
Line 6
Abang Haji Anis
Line 7
Dayang Hajjah Siti Nauyah
Line 8
Datin Dayang Hajjah Halimah
What we have achieved together
Since 2020: a regathering, a constitution, the will’s centenary, a family database project, and documentation of the house.
The 2025 moment: Ramah Tamah with the Premier of Sarawak
On 19 April 2025, a hall filled with faces from all eight lines was proof that this heritage lives. From the generation who knew the house itself to great-grandchildren just learning its name, all in one photograph.
Latest updates
19 April 2025
Ramah Tamah with the Premier of Sarawak
The extended Waris DBAK family gathered for a Ramah Tamah with the Premier of Sarawak, a proud moment for all eight lines.
January 2024
W8-DBAK constitution revised
Constitution No. 1/2021 has been revised (rev. 01/2024) and can be downloaded on the Resources page.
July 2026
A new heritage home online
This new website brings together verified history, the restoration journey, and an invitation to every generation.
This heritage is waiting for your hands
Contribute a memory, identify a face in an old photograph, volunteer your expertise, or simply be present at the next gathering. Every heir has a place in this story.