By Ling Hui
KUCHING, July 20: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) will take ownership of the hornbill statue at the Kenyalang Interchange, or previously known as BDC roundabout, here starting today.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian said the statue, which has been freshly repainted and brightly illuminated will continue to be an important landmark, greeting those visiting Kuching.
“As soon as you come down from the airport, (you will see it). It is a greeting landmark to anyone coming to Kuching, which is a city of unity.
“Even though we don’t know who the owner was, MBKS stepped forward and said they will own it, maintain it, and make it even nicer than the original one by adding the lights,” he said when officiating the lighting up of the hornbill statue at Kenyalang Interchange here tonight.
Meanwhile, MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the hornbill symbolises strength, courage and unity.
He said the team managed to rush the lighting installation and testing within 48 hours, so that the lights could go up officially before Sarawak Day on July 22.
“And from today onwards, the council will take up ownership and also the maintenance of the statue.
“So anyone who passes by the hornbill and has any complaints, if the lights are down, please contact MBKS through the iPeople app or myself,” he said.
The project to give the hornbill statue a facelift was approved by the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. — DayakDaily
