By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, March 20: A total of RM2 million has been allocated to restore and upgrade the old Nurses’ Quarters at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) along Jalan Crookshank, preserving the site as a significant historical heritage landmark in Kuching.
The initiative follows discussions and approval by the Sarawak government to resolve longstanding issues concerning the site, said Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel.
“As an initial step, we will allocate approximately RM2 million for the restoration and upgrading works.
“The amount may be increased later depending on further refinements. We also hope the Sarawak Heritage Society (SHS) will assist in ensuring the building is properly maintained,” he told reporters at a press conference after inspecting the project site at the old Nurses’ Quarters building here today.
Abdullah Zaidel described the move as a win-win solution between SHS—who had advocated for the site’s preservation—and stakeholders involved in site cleaning and the construction of a water retention pond (SUStoM Pond).
In addition to its heritage value, the restored building is set to be repurposed as ‘Anjung Kasih’ — a free temporary accommodation facility for underprivileged family members of patients at SGH.
According to a press release, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak issued a stop-work order in August 2024 following appeals by SHS to protect the old Nurses’ Quarters as a heritage site.
Among those present were DID Sarawak deputy director Law Wee and SHS president Datin Rosemarie Wong-Jabu. — DayakDaily
