KUCHING: As Sarawak moves towards greater prosperity, development must be guided not only by infrastructure and economic growth but also by strong social values, cultural preservation and public well-being.
Deputy Premier Amar Dr Sim Hui Kian said that true progress would be measured by how well Sarawak maintained its heritage, harmony and sense of responsibility while advancing as a modern state.
He cautioned that development without values risked weakening the state’s social fabric, stressing that heritage should be understood beyond the preservation of old buildings.
“Heritage is not just about preserving structures.
“It is about learning from the past, making heritage spaces safe and adapting them responsibly for modern use while retaining their identity,” he said in his speech during the Kuching Heritage Awareness Society (KHAS) appreciation dinner at Telang Usan Hotel on Thursday (Jan 8).
Dr Sim also highlighted rising lifestyle-related health concerns, noting that nearly 50 per cent of Sarawakians are overweight, an issue he described as increasingly serious as living standards improve.
He said public discourse on health often focused on undernutrition, when overnutrition and lack of physical activity had become more pressing challenges.
“This is why community events such as the Kuching Heritage Race (KHR) are important.
“They encourage people to stay active, enjoy culture and understand moderation at the same time,” he said, adding that exercise should be part of daily life rather than an afterthought.
Dr Sim said healthy habits needed to be cultivated from a young age, as children often lacked awareness of balanced eating and the long-term consequences of unhealthy lifestyles.
On the role of KHAS, he noted that since 2017, more than RM200,000 had been raised and distributed to deserving recipients, not only as financial support but as recognition for contributions to society.
He described Sarawak’s multi-racial and multi-religious harmony as one of its greatest strengths, calling it a defining feature that must be protected as the state continues to develop.
“Prosperity must come with care, respect and sharing. These values are what make Sarawak unique,” he said.
Dr Sim also emphasised the importance of education in sustaining long-term progress, saying investments in human capital were essential to ensure future generations were capable and grounded in the right values.
Expressing confidence in Sarawak’s trajectory, he said the state would be markedly different by 2030, but stressed that success should not come at the expense of culture, heritage and social cohesion.
