By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Feb 27: Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has acknowledged concerns over the deteriorating state of the Kuching Civic Centre, describing it as an “eyesore” and emphasizing the need for improvements to its facilities.
He revealed that discussions have been held with the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak regarding necessary upgrades, particularly the replacement of the lift and escalators, which are in poor condition.
“I know one of the biggest issues is that the Kuching Civic Centre is still in use, sometimes for weddings.
“We are still waiting for feedback from JKR and other relevant agencies. This is not just about Kuching, but about all civic centres across Sarawak,” he said during a press conference when officiating D’Drift 2025 at DayakDaily office today.
He was responding to the call by the Sarawak Tourist Guides Association (SkTGA), urging the restoration of two historic sites in Kuching – the observation tower at the Kuching Civic Centre and the front yard of the Kuching Old Courthouse.
Abdul Karim confirmed that renovations for the Kuching Civic Centre would be carried out in phases, pending approval and further planning by the relevant authorities.
Expressing broader concerns about the state of civic centres throughout Sarawak, he stated that the government must reassess their purpose and explore alternative roles for these spaces.
“The idea of civic centres was introduced by former Chief Minister, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud as places where people and leaders could gather.
“Every division was meant to have one. But over the years, as more hotels were built, the role of civic centres has diminished,” he explained.
Separately, Abdul Karim also addressed concerns raised by SkTGA regarding the conversion of the Old Courthouse front yard into a public parking lot.
Agreeing that the space should not serve as a car park, he pledged to bring the matter to the attention of the Sarawak government.
“It holds a lot of historical significance, and now it’s just a parking lot. We need to give it the respect it deserves and turn it into a proper tourism site. Thank you to SkTGA for highlighting this issue,” he expressed. — DayakDaily
