By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 14: Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) has expressed strong support for a community-driven proposal to transform Wayang Garden, a small fountain area near the grand stage opposite Hong San Si Temple on Wayang Street, into the ‘Wayang Story Garden’, a cultural space celebrating local storytelling, public art, and community engagement.
DBKU Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman described the initiative, spearheaded by local businesses and the temple-linked association, as a positive step aligned with DBKU’s vision to rejuvenate Kuching’s heritage precincts and promote inclusive development.
“DBKU is pleased with this community-led proposal to revitalise the Wayang Street area, which includes plans to beautify the existing miniature fountain garden and support surrounding business activities. This is a very good move.
“We are very open to such suggestions, and if successful, this initiative could serve as a model for other heritage areas in Kuching,” he told reporters after meeting Wayang Street shopowners over the proposal at Wayang Garden here today.
He noted that the project would complement DBKU’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Kuching Waterfront, which is set for further rejuvenation.
“This is what we mean by community engagement and empowerment, working together to preserve, conserve, and develop our heritage zones,” he added.
The mayor emphasised that the heritage area is significant to Kuching’s identity and welcomed greater participation from the business community, associations, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to realise shared development goals.
Under the proposal, the Wayang Story Garden will feature a pedestrian-friendly design, with improved landscaping, night lighting, public seating, and cultural spaces for performances and food stalls. Central to the project is the construction of a Story Tower, envisioned as the garden’s focal point.
The Story Tower will consist of eight panels illustrating key stories and heritage landmarks associated with Wayang Street. These include the shared cultural significance of the term Wayang as a communal space; Yong Siong Fam, founder of Kuching’s early printing press and the individual who gave Wayang Street its Chinese name ‘花香街’; the legend of the deity Seng Ong Kong; a tale of the Rajah encountering Seng Ong Kong playing with water at the present-day historic water tap; the story of Ah Bi Kolok Mee and internationally renowned filmmaker Tsai Ming-Liang; the former residence of Kapitan Ong Ewe Hai; and nostalgic icons such as Rex Cinema and Star Cineplex.
Equipped with QR codes and cloud-based content, the tower will allow visitors to interact with these stories via their smartphones. Its design will blend traditional Sarawakian motifs with modern aesthetics to engage both heritage enthusiasts and younger generations.
Also proposed are enhancements to the historic water tap and a redesigned fountain structure that incorporates symbolic features such as water flowing from the original pillar.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) president Dato Richard Wee said the proposal remains in its preliminary stage, with discussions still ongoing and pending approval from the relevant authorities.
The Wayang Garden was originally established in 2006 through a community initiative led by then-state assemblywoman Lily Yong, focused on reinstating a colonial-era water tap. It has since been maintained by the Kuching Hokkien Association as a public community space.
Hilmy noted that DBKU would study the proposal in consultation with other agencies and stakeholders to assess feasibility and ensure necessary approvals.
“DBKU cannot act alone. We need the ideas, knowledge, and cooperation of the community, NGOs, and the business sector.
“This kind of partnership helps us create spaces that reflect the needs and heritage of our people,” he said.
Also present were Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kuching branch chairwoman Datuk Lily Yong and several other officials. — DayakDaily
