Communities urged to preserve Old Kuching

KUCHING: Communities are being placed at the centre of efforts to preserve Old Kuching’s heritage through a new initiative involving residents, academics, industry players and government agencies.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said heritage preservation should not be left to the Government alone, with local communities playing an important role in protecting and promoting their heritage.

“We want to see our communities lead their own development, supported by government machinery that provides the necessary infrastructure, guidance and resources,” he said.

He said this during the officiating ceremony for the Voices of Old Kuching: OKSHE-MTCP Public Initiative Programmes, held in conjunction with the 22nd General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026 of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS GA2026) at the Sheraton Hotel here today.

The public initiative programmes will focus on community capacity building, traditional knowledge, community-based tourism, digital marketing and creative industries, as well as academic and institutional research.

“Historical monuments, living heritage and our local communities are the heartbeat of our tourism and creative sectors,” he added.

The initiative was launched ahead of ICOMOS GA2026, which will be held in Kuching from Oct 17 to 24 and is expected to draw more than 1,500 delegates from 110 countries.

Describing the upcoming gathering as the “Olympics of Cultural Heritage”, Abdul Karim said it would provide Sarawak with an opportunity to showcase not only its historic sites and monuments, but also the living heritage of its people.

He stressed the need for cooperation among state ministries, local authorities, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and grassroots communities in contributing to the programme.

“This is something that we have to do together. The Government cannot do it alone,” he said.