Padungan Garden public toilet finally receives facelift after three decades

KUCHING (Dec 24): Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has completed the upgrading works on the public toilet at Padungan Garden along Jalan Padungan, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve public amenities in one of the city’s oldest and most visited areas.

Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said Padungan, with a history spanning over a century, remained an important heritage and tourism hub, making it essential for public facilities in the area to meet current standards of cleanliness, safety and accessibility.

“Padungan is well known for its heritage shophouses, historic buildings and landmarks such as the White Cat monument, Clock Tower and murals that reflect the area’s rich past.

“As the area continues to attract residents, visitors and tourists, proper maintenance and upgrading of public facilities are crucial,” he said during the handing-over ceremony of the upgraded public toilet here.

Wee noted that the public toilet was last upgraded in 1993 and, after more than 30 years of continuous use, refurbishment was necessary to address present-day needs.

According to the mayor, the scope of works included upgrading internal toilet facilities and surrounding areas, with added features such as a person-with-disability (PwD)-friendly toilet, a baby diaper changing room, improved lighting along the footpaths, a pavilion, and other related enhancement works.

“The project was carried out at a total construction cost of RM174,250, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity to better serve persons with disabilities, senior citizens, families with young children, as well as residents and tourists,” he said.

Wee added that the project was funded under the BP1 allocation from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, reflecting continued cooperation between the federal government and local authorities in improving public infrastructure.

Wee reaffirmed MBKS’s commitment to continuously upgrading public facilities that are clean, safe and accessible to all, while preserving the historical and cultural value of heritage areas such as Padungan for future generations.