MBKS to form task force to safeguard Padungan’s heritage buildings

Wee (seated centre) with representatives from professional bodies and agencies after a meeting on the formation of the Padungan Heritage Buildings Task Force at MBKS headquarters in Kuching.

By DayakDaily Team

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

MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the task force will focus on technical and structural assessments, conservation requirements, and improvement measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of heritage buildings in Padungan.

“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.

Wee expressed appreciation to the Institution of Engineers Malaysia Sarawak (IEM Sarawak), led by its chairman Ir Dr Angelia Liew San Chuin, for its willingness to collaborate and provide professional expertise. He also thanked the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak and local consultants for their support and commitment to the initiative.

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

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

Wee noted that 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 that this initiative can be implemented in a structured and sustainable way, balancing heritage preservation with urban development,” he said.

Wee further highlighted that the formation of the task force reflects MBKS’s continued commitment to protecting Kuching’s heritage while enhancing the safety, liveability, and attractiveness of the city. — DayakDaily