Kuching refers to the legacy model of Melaka, Penang

KUCHING, 21 Sep: Sarawak will make heritage conservation and preservation model in Penang as well as Melaka a reference in strengthening heritage asset management in Kuching through Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHE).

Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the two states' approach to UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition can be a guide in planning and preserving historic areas and buildings in Kuching.

"We will declare specific zones in Kuching and identify buildings and monuments located in the area to be preserved.

"We are moving in that direction with the hope that when the process of zoning, preservation and maintenance of monuments and heritage buildings in the area is completed, we can one day also petition UNESCO to make Kuching a World Heritage Site", he said at a press conference after launching the Heritage Future: Voices of Old Kuching program. here today.

Karim said heritage preservation should be carried out alongside urban development to ensure the historical value of Kuching continues to be preserved for future generations.

He said that among the areas to be an initial focus were Gambir Road, Main Bazaar and Indian Avenue which houses various buildings as well as historic sites such as Old Court House, Round Tower, Square Tower and Indian Mosque.

He said the effort was important to ensure that current development does not affect historic buildings and monuments that are part of Kuching's identity.

For the record, the historic George Town area of Penang and Melaka was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 under the joint designation 'Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca'.-TVS