KUCHING: Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU) has voiced strong support for a community-led proposal to rejuvenate the Kuching heritage area, particularly around the iconic Carpenter Street.
According to DBKU mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman, the initiative—driven by local businesses and temple-related associations—aims to beautify the area and introduce new business activities to enhance the surrounding economic landscape.
“This is an excellent move, and we are very open to this sort of suggestion. If this area is developed accordingly, it could serve as a model for other heritage areas around Kuching,” he told reporters at a meeting on the Wayang Story Garden project today.
DBKU noted that the proposal aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the Kuching Waterfront, which has undergone significant beautification.
“We are not leaving this part of the city untouched,” Hilmy said. “We are looking forward to active community involvement. This is what we call engagement and empowerment of the community to assist DBKU in developing the business sector, particularly within the heritage area.”
He stressed that preserving and conserving Kuching’s historical landscape remains a key priority, and expressed hope that this collaboration would help uphold the city’s cultural heritage while generating new economic opportunities.
The proposal, still in its early stages, will undergo assessment to determine its viability and to obtain the necessary approvals from relevant authorities.
While no timeline has been confirmed, Hilmy assured that efforts to advance the project would not be delayed.
“We’ll arrange meetings and push for the necessary approvals,” he said. “Once everything is in place, DBKU will move forward with implementation.”
He added that initiatives like this demonstrate how back lanes and underutilised spaces can be transformed into vibrant business hubs.
Hilmy also noted DBKU’s ongoing collaboration with the Carpenter Street Association, citing past successes such as the Mooncake Festival, which drew strong community involvement.
“With a new hotel established nearby and sufficient parking facilities managed by the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), the area is well-positioned to support increased business activity,” he said.
“If a hawker centre or similar venture is introduced, it will certainly complement the city council’s broader efforts to revitalise the area.”
DBKU also called on more non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members of the business community to come forward with similar proposals, underscoring the importance of collective effort in urban development.
“As a city council, we cannot do everything independently,” Hilmy said.
“Engagement and empowerment of the community are crucial to making things happen.”
