MBKS, DBKU plan for walkable cultural heritage mural trail across Kuching’s old quarters

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By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 12: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is planning to develop a continuous Cultural Heritage Mural Walk stretching from Padungan to India Street, linking existing urban murals into a walkable and immersive historical corridor that narrates the trades, livelihoods and living memories of Kuching’s old streets.

MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the proposed mural walk will begin in Padungan, extend towards Riverside Majestic and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (formerly Jalan Attap), before culminating at India Street, creating a connected heritage experience across the city centre.

“This trail will not just be a pathway of art, but a corridor of stories — telling of the trades, the people and the everyday life that shaped Kuching’s old quarters,” he said in a post shared on his social media after launching seven vibrant heritage murals along Padungan Street today, held in conjunction with the area’s 100th anniversary celebration.

The ceremony was officiated by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Wee also stressed that heritage development should transcend administrative boundaries, noting that MBKS plans to collaborate with the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) in implementing the mural walk initiative.

“Heritage does not recognise north or south. Only through unity can we shape Kuching into a truly complete cultural heritage city,” he said.

The seven murals, created by Sarawakian artist Leonard Siaw, pay tribute to the early settlers whose perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit transformed Padungan into one of Kuching’s most vibrant commercial and cultural hubs.

“Today is not merely the unveiling of murals. It is a celebration of a century of Padungan’s journey and a community built by forebears who came in search of opportunity, took root here, and through their struggles and ingenuity, shaped the cultural heart of Kuching South,” Wee said.

He expressed appreciation to Abdul Karim for his strong support and funding allocation, which enabled the meaningful heritage initiative to be realised.
Wee emphasised that heritage preservation must go beyond symbolism and require structured planning and implementation.

“Conservation is not static. It requires technology, expertise and coordinated action,” he said.

Among MBKS’ ongoing efforts are the restoration of the historic plaque at the World War II Memorial Clock Tower, enhancement of festive lighting at the Padungan archway, and upgrades to public amenities to ensure the historic precinct remains both authentic and functional.

To strengthen conservation efforts, MBKS has established the Padungan Cultural Heritage Preservation Task Force, working with professional bodies including MTCP, the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Sarawak Museum Department.

The task force has formulated detailed guidelines for the restoration of century-old shophouses, ensuring that conservation works respect original craftsmanship while complying with modern safety standards.

He thanked Siaw for bringing history to life through art, as well as Sissons Paints for the sponsorship support, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in sustaining heritage initiatives.

Describing the murals as both a beginning and a pledge, Wee said they symbolise a commitment to safeguard the legacy of past generations while ensuring development and preservation move forward hand in hand.

“Heritage is not about resisting change but it is about moving forward with dignity,” he added. — DayakDaily

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