KUCHING: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has pledged to work with the Sarawak government to formulate long term policies for the safety and sustainability of the city’s heritage buildings.
Its Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng made the undertaking following the collapse of a two-storey shoplot façade at Jalan Padungan on Sunday (Apr 6).
“This (policies) will also include putting in place a more robust inspection framework and clearer maintenance guidelines.
“In addition, the policies may also offer support to building owners in need of assistance to preserve these historic structures responsibly,” he said at a press conference on Monday (Apr 7).
He added that MBKS is taking immediate steps to work with technical experts and state agencies to assess and review the structural safety of other century-old and potentially vulnerable buildings within its jurisdiction.
The affected portion of the building, which has stood for nearly a century, is not just a structure of wood and brick; it is part of the city’s living heritage.
“This is a wake-up call. Many of the structures within the heart of Kuching are decades old.
“While they are cherished as part of our cultural legacy, we must ensure they remain safe for those who live, work, and walk among them,” he said.
Wee also advised the owners or occupants of old buildings to immediately report to MBKS if they notice any signs of deterioration.
“I want to reassure the public that the council is fully committed to protecting both the safety of our people and the preservation of Kuching’s identity,” he said.
In the wake of the collapse, the Sarawak government has taken prompt steps to initiate a coordinated response with the council is working closely with the Public Works Department (PWD), Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak and all relevant agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the wall failure.
