KUCHING: The Sarawak government will review concerns regarding the conversion of the Kuching Old Courthouse’s front yard into a parking space, following complaints from the Sarawak Tourist Guides Association.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah acknowledged that the historical site, once home to the state’s courthouse and legislative assembly meetings, deserves better preservation.
“I read the comments from the Tourist Guides Association. That place holds a lot of memories, and now it has been turned into a parking lot.
“Tourists come wanting to take pictures of the front, the facade of the courthouse, which used to be the courthouse and the state assembly meeting place.
“But now, it does not have that kind of good look. I will raise this matter. Probably, we have to give it the respect it is due. It should not be a parking space.”
Abdul Karim told the media this when officiating the D’Drift 2025 flag off at TT3, DayakDaily office on Thursday (Feb 27).
On the same note, he also addressed the ongoing discussions on the future role and upgrades of Dewan Suarah in Sarawak.
Originally built under the late Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s administration, he said that Dewan Suarah halls were intended as central venues for community and leadership gatherings.
However, their function has diminished over the years with the rise of hotels offering similar facilities.
“For Dewan Suarah Kuching, we have been discussing with the Public Works Department (JKR) on improving its facilities.
“One of the main issues is the lift in the adjacent shuttlecock-shaped building, which needs to be replaced,” he said.
Abdul Karim asserted that the state Cabinet has approved upgrades for two Dewan Suarah, including Sibu’s, which suffered storm damage two years ago.
The renovations will include an escalator and a lift, with work carried out in phases.
He also assured that Dewan Suarah Kuching’s upgrades would follow soon, admitting that its current condition is an “eyesore.”
