KUCHING: The Sarawak government will revive the Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHE) initiative to preserve and elevate the historical and cultural heritage of the city.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the programme aims to conserve and further develop historic areas in the city.
“Recently, I was invited by the heirs of Rumah Batu, the Rumah Batu of Datu Bandar Abang Muhammad Kassim bin Datu Bandar Abang Bolhassan (DBAK), and they expressed their intention to hand it over as a waqf trust. If that happens, God willing, we can also beautify the Masjid Bahagian area,” he said.
Abang Johari said this during the Aidilfitri gathering organised by the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) on Monday (Apr 21).
He added that the redevelopment of the area would also complement the state government’s grand plan to establish a main station for the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system in the Padang Pasir area.
“If we combine historical elements with technological progress like ART, we can create a continuity between Kuching’s past and future. In the past, we had the Bulan and Bintang train, and today we have ART,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari also announced that major construction works will begin in front of the Darul Hana Mosque on Jalan Tun Salahuddin, involving the construction of an underground tunnel (underpass), which is expected to improve traffic flow in the area.
He noted that this underpass will be the third in Kuching, following similar projects in Batu 3 and the Datuk Temenggong Abang Kipali bin Abang Akip junction in Petra Jaya.
“We’re currently busy with various construction projects. Soon, major works will begin in front of the Darul Hana Mosque as part of a plan to upgrade the road system around Kuching,” he said.
He said the construction of strategic infrastructure also includes the Bintangor Bridge project, which is expected to be completed by April, and the extension of the Sarawak River waterfront from Bintangor Bridge to Satok Bridge — potentially becoming the longest riverfront in Malaysia.
The road from Yayasan Sarawak to Damai is also being upgraded into a dual carriageway with a dedicated lane for ART, while a new bridge will be built across the Santubong River to connect Pantai Damai and surrounding areas.
In Sejingkat, a new bridge is being constructed to link Kampung Beliong and Kampung Beradek, while road widening works in Tupong aim to smooth traffic flow and improve access to residential areas.
The state government is also focusing on flood mitigation efforts in the low-lying Samariang area through a redevelopment approach similar to the Bukit Assek project in Sibu.
In Satok, the construction of an iconic bridge is underway, not only as a physical connector but also as a landmark that will enhance the landscape of Kampung Masjid Haji Taha and support the overall development of the riverfront.
