Don't demolish old buildings with historical values, premier advises owners

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.

 Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg  speaking to reporters after attending a function 

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.

Maryline wins Kumang title, Bonnyta gets Keling title in Selangau Carnival 2026

SELANGAU, July 27 2026:  Maryline Dyna Alexius, 23, from Sibu and Bonnyta Braoh Morris, 34, from Niah, were crowned as Kumang and Keling respectively in the 2026 Selangau Carnival Pekit Kumang and Keling competitions held in conjunction with the Selangau Carnival 2026.

Caption: Kumang title winners

For the women's category,  Arinna Bilet as Lulong won the second place while Felicia Christian Richard won the Selinggar Matahari title.

In the men's category, Lawrance Lugop Aseng as Laja was placed second while Vincent Noel Mawar came third  for the Bungai Nuing title.

The winners of the Keling and Kumang categories each took home a cash prize of RM3,000 and a trophy.

The runners-up for the Laja and Lulong categories received RM2,000 and a trophy, while the winners of the Bungai Nuing and Selinggar Matahari received RM1,500 and a trophy.

The prizes to the winners were presented by Tamin State Legislative Member (SLM) Christopher Gira Sambang.

Caption: Keling title winner Bonnyta Braoh Morris

The Selangau carnival not only received participation from all over Sarawak, but also managed to attract participants from Brunei and Kalimantan, especially in the pekit menyumpit event.

The enthusiastic response shows that the Selangau carnival is increasingly gaining recognition at the regional level and has the potential to become one of the main cultural events that brings together people from within and outside the country.

Also present were Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Councillor Petrus Ngelai and Acting Selangau District Officer Chua Siong Wei.

One person killed, three injured while five others escaped unhurt in a three-vehicle crash

SIBU, July 26 2026: A man was killed and three others were seriously injured in a three-vehicle collision at Mile 15, Jalan Sibu-Bintulu late this afternoon.

Caption: At the scene of a three-vehicle accident

Another five other persons, however, escaped unhurt.

 Sibu Jaya Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), in a statement, said that it received a call at 5.45pm, informing of a road accident involving a lorry and two Proton Saga cars.

Upon arrival at the scene, the firemen found one victim was still trapped in a Proton Saga FLX.

According to information received, the accident involved 10 persons.

Four persons who were travelling in the Proton Saga MC3 were safe and uninjured.

Sibu Jaya Bomba said four of the five  others, who were riding in the Proton Saga FLX, were injured and were later sent to the hospital using an ambulance belonging to the Ministry of Health.

The fifth victim was confirmed dead at the scene by a medical officer before being handed over to the police for further action.

The lorry driver was unhurt in the crash.