KUCHING: Owners of old buildings with historical value are encouraged to consider restoring and renovating their buildings according to current needs without compromising their historical value and original identity.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said heritage buildings that have become dilapidated do not necessarily need to be demolished or replaced with new buildings, but can instead be restored and given a new function.

According to him, this approach allows historical buildings to continue to be utilised while ensuring their heritage value remains preserved.

"If the owner wishes to convert the building for a certain function, why not? We encourage it, as long as the main structure of the heritage building is retained," he said.

He said this when met by the media after officiating the Opening Ceremony of Wisma Elica, voco Kuching by IHG and Care Collective, here on Tuesday.

The Sarawak Premier said the redevelopment of Wisma Elica is an example of how an old building can be restored for new use without losing its original identity.

He also cited 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 retaining their historical value.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said continuous efforts to conserve and utilise heritage buildings can contribute to more sustainable urban development without neglecting the historical value that forms the identity of a place. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Nur Nabilla
Photos: Ameerul Syafiq Khir & Ibanez Jeffery Guang
Translator: Uilson Ng