By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 15: Overlooking the Open Air Market below, the nearly century-old watchtower which once served as Kuching’s first fire station, is due for a makeover through initiatives like mural painting and lighting as a way of introducing it as yet another captivating tourism attraction in the heart of the city.
Sarawakian author and researcher James Yong has taken to social media to advocate for action, urging local authorities and the Sarawak government to recognise the tower’s significance as the heart of Kuching city.
“This tower is a recognisable feature and an iconic structure of Kuching’s history. Since its construction in 1927, it has witnessed the city’s evolution. It has a story to tell. Back in 1927, I believe that when one stands at the top of the tower, one could see the entire city.
“However, over the years and since the old fire station was demolished, neglect has marred its aesthetic appeal, apart from using the interior as a storage space while the exterior was just given a coat of paint from time to time and sometimes for advertisement display.
“But in the past 20 years or so, nothing much has been done to it. So I feel it is such a waste when it is such an important heritage asset that every citizen is familiar with,” he told DayakDaily when contacted today.
Yong emphasised that it is time to restore its charm and make the tower ‘Instagrammable’, which will not only to benefit the locals but also appeal to foreign visitors.
He suggested colourful arts or murals and lightings, and even have seasonal decorations installed like the White Cat in Padungan, to enhance its allure from a distance.
“We can create something truly unique. This will make Kuching more lively and attractive as an artistic city. The tower could become a beloved landmark, attracting visitors and locals alike. I can only think of good things, rather than leaving it as it is.
“This effort is also crucial for the preservation and protection of the tower, while making it more known to the people as time passes,” he added.
Yong, who is the author of the book ‘Padungan: History & Humanity in a heritage precinct of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia’, also stressed the importance of preserving the tower’s story, proposing informative signage to enrich visitors’ experiences.
“We must cherish our heritage. By sharing its history, we ensure its legacy lives on,” he emphasised.
Yong’s call to action has garnered support online in his Kuching – Then and Now Facebook page, with many netizens expressing enthusiasm for the project.
One even proposed crowdfunding initiatives to kickstart the makeover, while many expressed nostalgia for the market where they enjoyed meals.
One commenter described it as a historic, and the first uniquely harmonious eatery in Sarawak’s past, featuring stalls offering diverse delicacies.
However, caution was advised against overdoing the makeover to avoid losing its identity and significance.
The history of the watchtower
The watchtower stands as a relic from the 1920s Sarawak Fire Brigade, situated on reclaimed land once known as Sungai Gartak during the second White Rajah era in 1907.
Initially hosting the first fire station until 1957, operations relocated to the current station on Jalan Padungan.
The old site was demolished and underwent redevelopment, but the watchtower was preserved as a historical marker, leaving behind as a poignant reminder that a fire station once stood there.
Over time, the area evolved into a transportation hub and later transformed into the beloved Open Air Market, with its iconic food court roof constructed in 1971.
Today, the Tower Market or more fondly known as the Open Air Market, remains a bustling centre offering local delicacies such as kolo mee, beef noodles, “jiu hu eng chai” (kangkong and cuttlefish), rojak, ABC or ice kacang, porridge, and “zi char”” (cook and fry on the spot) cuisine.
Kuching North City Commission to take action
Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Hilmi Othman has voiced his support for Yong’s idea to enhance the iconic tower with artistic elements.
While affirming that there are plans to revitalise the market area including its vicinity that stretches toward Brooke Dockyard until the Kuching Waterfront, he stressed the importance of a comprehensive plan to refurbish the entire Tower Market to ensure coherence in aesthetics and an inviting environment for all.
“Otherwise, only the tower would appear beautiful but the open air market below looks run down. It would create a mismatch. We aim to revitalise the entire centerpiece,” he told DayakDaily.
Hilmi further assured that the council is dedicated to safeguarding and preserving the tower, along with all heritage assets and structures within the city, amidst ongoing development and beautification projects in neighbouring areas like Brooke Dockyard, where a maritime museum is nearing completion, along with other plans to upgrade the place as a leisure area.
“The tower and market will be maintained and protected, unaffected by these endeavours. It will stand as an enduring symbol of Kuching’s past, present and future. With careful planning and collective effort, they will continue to inspire and enchant generations to come,” he affirmed.
Hilmi welcomed and called upon all the relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and associations around the area to provide feedback, ideas and suggestions to revamp the area including India Street, Carpenter Street, Kai Joo Lane and so on.
“In fact, we have already engaged with several associations to gather their insights on area revitalisation.
“Moving forward, we will strategise and plan for the things that needed to be done. We will need to budget accordingly before we can proceed. But rest assured, we are planning for a comprehensive enhancement and beautification of the area,” he added. — DayakDaily
