KUCHING:, July 28 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg has urged owners not to demolish their old buildings with historical values, advising that they should, instead, make efforts and renovate their properties without affecting their original identity.
He said that dilapidated heritage buildings do not necessarily need to be demolished or replaced with new buildings, but can instead be restored to be given new functions.
He said such approach will allow historic buildings to continue to be utilised while ensuring that their heritage values remain preserved.
“If the owner wishes to change the building for a specific function, why not? We encourage it, as long as the main structure of the heritage building is maintained,” he told reporters today.
The premier said the redevelopment of Wisma Elica is an example of how an old building can be restored for a new use without losing its original identity.
He said the state government is still negotiating with the federal government for the take-over of the old Post Office building in Jalan Tun Openg with a view of renovating and preserving it.
HYe added there are many old buildings with historical values in Kuching that need to be preserved and restored.
He also referred to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur and the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore as examples of heritage buildings that have been successfully restored while maintaining their historical value.
Abang Johari said that efforts will continue to conserve and utilise heritage buildings can contribute to more sustainable urban development without neglecting the historical value that is the identity of a place.
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