KUCHING: The transfer of the Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHE) initiative to the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) is expected to strengthen heritage development efforts while further boosting tourism in the city.
According to Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the restructuring would allow for more organised planning and enable heritage-related initiatives to be implemented in a more comprehensive and impactful manner.
“Since its establishment under the Kuching North City Commission in 2018, OKSHE has successfully organised numerous large-scale programmes and activities, including during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The collaboration between OKSHE and DBKU has been very successful in positioning Kuching as a vibrant, clean city rich in culture and heritage,” he said during the handover ceremony on Wednesday (May 6).
Abdul Karim said Kuching’s diversity in ethnicity, religion and history provided strong tourism potential that could be elevated further.
He also revealed that Sarawak’s tourism industry is currently performing strongly, with monthly tourism revenue exceeding RM1 billion.
However, he stressed the need for innovation to ensure visitors continue returning to the state.
“We cannot keep offering the same products repeatedly. We need to introduce new attractions and experiences so tourists always have a reason to come back,” he said.
“As part of efforts to preserve Kuching’s historical identity, Abdul Karim proposed establishing dedicated heritage zones similar to those in George Town and Malacca City.”
He said such zones would require clear legal provisions to ensure heritage buildings, murals and historical sites are properly protected from unchecked development.
“Without proper legal protection, preservation efforts will become difficult. We do not want important attractions such as murals and heritage buildings to disappear over time,” he added.
He described OKSHE as more than just a geographical area, saying it represents the living soul of Sarawak’s history through its buildings, culture, food and communities.
“A clear organisational structure is important to ensure the smooth implementation of OKSHE’s role under the ministry. Everyone must work together and not operate in silos,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kuching North Mayor, Datuk Hilmy Othman, said DBKU had undertaken numerous initiatives to strengthen Kuching’s heritage appeal throughout OKSHE’s administration under the commission.
Among the achievements, he said, were large-scale cultural events, beautification projects in heritage areas and interactive programmes that attracted both local and international tourists.
“Even during the pandemic, efforts to promote Kuching’s heritage continued through creative approaches, including the use of digital technology,” he added.
Hilmy described the handover as a strategic move that would further enhance heritage preservation and promotional efforts with stronger institutional support and resources.
“DBKU will continue working closely with the ministry to ensure continuity in these efforts for the development of Kuching city,” he said.
