KUCHING: Mayor of Kuching City South (MBKS) Datuk Wee Hong Seng has outlined his vision for reviving Sarawak’s historical landmarks, particularly in the Padungan area, and transforming them into meaningful tourism experiences.
Speaking to reporters during the Memorial Ceremony for the World War II Sarawakian Nanyang Volunteers today, Wee emphasised the importance of preserving Sarawak’s heritage, particularly those tied to the World War II era, while fostering a deeper appreciation for Sarawak’s past and its role in shaping the future.
Padungan, one of Kuching’s oldest districts with nearly century-old shophouses, holds a rich historical legacy, and Wee seeks to transform these heritage sites into a tourism product that honours the sacrifices of World War II by linking them to the broader narrative of the war.
“Padungan and Batu Lintang are key historical sites that we can link together. Batu Lintang, once a prisoner-of-war camp during the Japanese occupation, and the World War II Memorial Monument in Padungan both serve as important reminders of that difficult time,” said Wee.
The World War II Memorial Monument commemorates those who lost their lives during the war, and the Mayor is committed to reviving the annual ceremonies that were once held there.
The British government traditionally held remembrance services at the monument, but with their discontinuation over time, Wee is now determined to revive these ceremonies to ensure the sacrifices of the past are not forgotten.
“We are in the final stages of preparing for this project, with design plans in place. Once approved, we hope to complete it by the end of this year,” he said.
The memorial will also highlight the lesser-known fact that the Japanese forces formally surrendered at Pending.
“Many are unaware that the surrender took place here in Sarawak. Linking this historical event to a tour from Batu Lintang to Pending will provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the area’s significance,” Wee added.
This project, according to him, is not only about promoting tourism but also about educating the public, especially the younger generation, on the hardships endured by previous generations.
“This is about understanding our history and appreciating the freedoms we have today because of the sacrifices made by those before us,” he added.
