Kuching`s Heritage Under Threat

Kuching, Malaysia - Nearly 140 years of history has been demolished. And all for a place for families to stroll about. Kuching recently lost a number of historical buildings on its waterfront and some locals are trying to save the two remaining from the wrecking ball.

But their pleas are being ignored.

Five heritage buildings have already been torn down. Among those still standing include the Garment Store, which was built around 1929, and the fish market, dating back to the 1870s. Sarawak‘s first museum, which is as old as the fish market, was sadly torn down.

These buildings are scheduled to make way for the expansion of the Kuching waterfront by the end of the year.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud gave the order for an esplanade to be built for families to relax and spend their weekends.

Malay Mail received a distress call from a reader from Sarawak who was upset about losing these buildings.

“It‘s what we have to remind us of our history, proof that what we have in the books are not just legends. The last White Rajah of Sarawak had a hand in the construction of the fish market,” said Jimmie Ningkan, 65.

The only person who seems to be fighting to have the buildings saved is Peter Pui, Kuching City North Commission councillor.

He has demanded on numerous times for the plans of the waterfront but has yet to receive them. All Pui got was the cost for the construction of the esplanade estimated at RM7.9 million.

“Demolition of these two buildings is underway. Luckily for us, the rainy weather has slowed down the work,” said Pui.

The remaining buildings can still be preserved if work can be stopped in time. Since the plan to tear down the buildings came to light around four  months ago, Pui has received numerous complaints and pleas from the locals and cultural associations to stop work.

Even Unesco has been to the area to certify that it is indeed a heritage for the country.  But no stop-work order has been issued so far.

Source: http://www.mmail.com.my (7 July 2009)

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