KUCHING: Jalan Padungan here welcomed a splash of colour and nostalgia as seven new heritage murals were unveiled in celebration of the street’s 100th anniversary.
Painted by Sarawak artist, Leonard Siaw, the murals were launched by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who said the initiative goes beyond beautifying walls.
“Today is not only about art. It is about history, identity, and a hundred years of shared memories that have shaped Padungan into one of Kuching’s most distinctive heritage areas,” he said today.
He described Padungan as a long-standing meeting point of cultures and communities, where migrants settled, businesses grew, and families built their livelihoods.
He noted that the murals reflect this spirit while showing how development and heritage preservation can go hand in hand.
“Tourism today is no longer just about sightseeing. Visitors want authentic experiences and meaningful stories,” Abdul Karim said.
“These murals turn Padungan into a living gallery where history can be experienced, not just observed.”
Meanwhile, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, said the murals form part of a broader conservation plan for Padungan, which has been identified as an important heritage corridor.
A Padungan Heritage Conservation Task Force has been set up to guide restoration works, protect century-old shophouses, and ensure conservation meets professional and safety standards.
“These buildings are architectural records of a particular era and reflect the history and craftsmanship of early urban Kuching,” Wee reiterated.
MBKS has also restored the Second World War memorial clock tower, upgraded decorative lighting, installed AI-enabled CCTV cameras, and improved public amenities to make the area safer and more welcoming.
To further enhance the district, MBKS is proposing a Heritage Mural Trail with Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara, linking murals from India Street to Padungan to create a continuous storytelling route for visitors.
Both leaders praised Siaw for translating Padungan’s past into accessible visual narratives.
The launch coincides with the Padungan Chinese New Year Street Festival, which runs until Feb 15, bringing performances and community activities to the historic neighbourhood.
