Public art may be expanded to other parts of Kuching, says Abdul Karim

KUCHING (Feb 12): Public art initiatives similar to the heritage murals in Padungan could be expanded to other parts of Kuching, with artists and building owners encouraged to submit proposals to local councils or the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.

Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the expansion of mural projects would depend on prevailing circumstances, noting that artists such as Leonard Siaw carry contractual responsibilities when undertaking murals and artworks in other locations.

“This is one project which takes time and requires a great deal of planning.

“We will certainly look into the significance of murals should there be plans to place them in other areas,” he told a press conference after launching seven murals in conjunction with Padungan’s 100th anniversary here.

He added that there has been growing interest among building owners who wish to have murals featured on their premises.

“They can always submit proposals to the city council or the ministry, and we will consider them on a case-by-case basis,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Abdul Karim described the murals as more than decorative art pieces, saying they represent history, identity, and a century of shared memories that shaped Padungan into one of Kuching’s most distinctive heritage areas.

“Padungan has always been more than a commercial street. It is a place of migration, enterprise, and resilience.

“For a century, people from different backgrounds came here to work, to trade, and to build a better life. Through their daily struggles and perseverance, Padungan grew into a vibrant and living neighbourhood that continues to define the character of Kuching today,” he said.

Congratulating Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng for their leadership, he said the initiative reflects strong vision and long-term thinking in integrating heritage preservation with urban development.

“Our Mayor, Dato Wee Hong Seng personally shared with me the efforts being undertaken by MBKS to further protect Padungan’s heritage and I am pleased to note that the council is in the process of setting up the Padungan Heritage Conservation Task Force, a dedicated platform to study, coordinate, and guide conservation efforts in this historic area.

“Heritage is not something we inherit automatically. It is something we must actively protect, document, and pass on.

“By taking this step, MBKS is ensuring that Padungan’s historical value, architectural character, and cultural stories are recognised and preserved in a structured and responsible manner,” he said.

He also commended mural artist Leonard Siaw for translating history into visual narratives that capture the dignity of labour, the spirit of migration, and the resilience of the Padungan community.

Abdul Karim said initiatives such as the murals demonstrate how tourism, creative industry, and the performing arts can intersect meaningfully, transforming Padungan into a “living gallery” where history can be experienced rather than merely observed.

“The creative industry adds value by transforming heritage into engaging expressions that are accessible to all.

“Public art creates opportunities for local artists, stimulates the creative economy, and enhances the attractiveness of our cities. At the same time, it strengthens community pride and ownership,” he said.

He assured that the ministry would continue working closely with local authorities to support creative placemaking, heritage conservation, and cultural tourism initiatives.

“We believe that heritage based creative projects are vital to positioning Sarawak and Kuching as culturally rich and distinctive destinations.

“They also contribute to sustainable tourism by celebrating what is unique and authentic about our communities.

“We see strong potential in Padungan to become a key heritage and cultural corridor that attracts visitors while remaining meaningful to local residents,” he said.

Also present at the launch were State Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Wee, Kuching South deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, and State Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick.