Murals bring history to life on Kuching’s Dock Lane

From seventh left: Dr Abdul Rahman, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and Hilmy, with other dignitaries, pose at Dock Lane’s vibrant new murals near Brooke Dockyard on April 5, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 5: A series of new murals by Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) is turning the once-quiet lane near Brooke Dockyard into a colorful tribute to the city’s history and culture.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the Dock Lane murals offer a “walk down memory lane,” showcasing Kuching’s journey from its old mosques and Brooke Dockyard to the everyday life of its people.

“I can see that Kuching is on the rise, and I believe many visitors will come to see the Brooke Museum once it opens.

“They will use these murals as a backdrop for selfies and photos, which will, in turn, help showcase Kuching to the world,” he told reporters after officiating the murals at the site today.

Abdul Karim noted the area once thrived as an open-air market, where people sold medicines, cigarettes, and food.

“The vendor stalls are still here, and I understand that areas next to Brooke Dockyard will also be developed for selling. It might be done in a more modern way, not exactly like before.

“The open-air markets, especially those selling food, will either be preserved or refreshed in a more cheerful and contemporary style that fits the times,” he explained.

Abdul Karim said there are 17 murals across Kuching, including Dock Lane, Padungan, India Street, and Batu 10.

Abdul Karim speaks to reporters at Dock Lane’s vibrant new murals near Brooke Dockyard on April 5, 2026.

He also urged the public to respect the city’s murals, stressing that vandalism undermines the efforts to beautify Kuching.

“As our city develops, with murals, neon lights, and other infrastructure to beautify public spaces, vandalism can undermine all these efforts. Damaging murals not only costs time and money to repair, it also takes away from the city’s identity.

“We all have a role to protect and preserve these public artworks,” he emphasised.

Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and DBKU Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman. — DayakDaily