MBKS to form task force for Padungan heritage buildings

KUCHING (Jan 13): The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) will establish a dedicated task force to strengthen coordination and advance conservation efforts for heritage buildings in Padungan, one of the city’s oldest and most historically significant areas.

Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the Task Force for Padungan Heritage Buildings will focus on technical and structural assessments, conservation requirements and improvement measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of the buildings.

“Padungan is an important part of Kuching’s heritage and cultural identity. Preserving its historical buildings is not only about protecting physical structures but also about safeguarding the character and history of the area for future generations,” he said in a statement.

He also said MBKS appreciated the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak, led by chairman Ir Dr Angelia Liew San Chuin, for its willingness to collaborate and contribute professional expertise to the initiative.

According to him, the task force will serve as a coordinated platform involving MBKS, IEM Sarawak, relevant government agencies and professional consultants to ensure that technical evaluations and conservation measures are carried out in a systematic and responsible manner.

He said once the structural condition of the buildings is confirmed to be satisfactory, MBKS will consider the longer-term objective of gazetting the Padungan row as a recognised heritage area.

“With strong collaboration and expert guidance, we are confident this initiative can be implemented in a structured and sustainable way, balancing heritage preservation with urban development,” he added.

The formation of the task force, Wee said, reflects MBKS’ continued commitment to protecting Kuching’s heritage while enhancing the safety, liveability and attractiveness of the city.

“We also thank the Public Works Department Sarawak and local consultants for their support and commitment,” he said.

Wee added that the Sarawak Heritage Council and Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHE) will also be engaged to provide guidance on heritage significance, conservation principles and historical context to support longer-term heritage planning for Padungan.