Padungan turns 100: Seven heritage murals celebrate roots, resilience, cultural pride

Abdul Karim (in yellow shirt) together with Wee (third right), Siaw (right) and other distinguished guests officiating the seven heritage murals in celebration of Padungan's 100th Anniversary on Feb 12, 2026.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Feb 12: Padungan Street marks its centennial with the unveiling of seven heritage murals, a colourful tribute to the ancestors whose labour, creativity, and traditions have shaped and defined the cultural richness of this historic Kuching neighbourhood over the past century.

The murals, created by Sarawakian artist Leonard Siaw, depict vintage trades, community life, and traditions, highlighting the struggles and triumphs that have shaped Padungan and laid the foundation for its cultural identity.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performance Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who officiated the launch, described Siaw as a “living legend” whose artwork has contributed to making Kuching a vibrant and culturally rich city.

The “The Ride of a Lifetime” mural at Padungan Street by Leonard Siaw is a tribute to the Heng Hua community in Kuching.

He also commended the Kuching City South Council (MBKS) and Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng for organising the historic heritage event and supporting the mural project in conjunction with Padungan’s centennial celebrations.

“The mural art showcases the heritage and identity of Padungan, reflecting its history as the Chinese community grew here from China over 100 years ago. It also shows how Padungan has evolved into the bustling city we see today,” he said at the event in Padungan Street today.

Siaw’s murals bring to life seven key trades and moments from Padungan’s past: “Mending the Tides of Time”, depicting the Heng Hua fishing community; “A Cup Passed Down”, highlighting the herbal tea or liang teh brewing trade; “The Ride of a Lifetime”, featuring vintage bicycle traders; “The Spirit of the Race” (Lumba Kuda), reflecting horse racing introduced during the Charles Brooke era; “A Bakery Through the Seasons”, showcasing traditional pastry and mooncake trades; “Forging the Steel of Resilience”, celebrating blacksmiths; and “The Everlasting Shape of Joy”, portraying traditional red tortoise cake (ang ku kueh) makers.

The heritage murals featured in Padungan Street.

Abdul Karim officiated the centennial celebrations at the mural “The Ride of a Lifetime”, a vivid depiction of bicycle workshops that once dotted Padungan’s narrow streets.

In the 1950s, bicycles were a necessity for getting to school, work, and the market. The mural captures not only the craft of mechanics repairing worn bicycles but also the social fabric of a community built around shared routines and mutual support.

“Leonard Siaw is no stranger to locals; his murals can be seen across Kuching and beyond, even overseas.

“From India Street to the Riverside Hotel, his work has helped Kuching become a vibrant city, and visitors often use his murals as backdrops for selfies. His art has truly spread all over the world,” Abdul Karim added.

The heritage murals featured in Padungan Street.

The centennial event also saw the presence of Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Padawan Municipal Council chairman Tan Kai, who joined in celebrating Padungan’s rich history and vibrant cultural legacy.

As the murals take their place on Padungan Street, they carry forward the stories of ancestors who came south seeking livelihoods, preserving the memory of their struggles while reminding future generations of the enduring spirit that has shaped Kuching South. — DayakDaily