Kuching councillor says only quarter of it is left, but MP says building had lost its charmBURDENED

Ng Suzhen

Friday, July 10th, 2009 10:17:00

IT may just be too late to save the historic 1870s fish market on the Kuching waterfront.

“Only a quarter of the original market was left when I visited the waterfront yesterday,” Kuching City North councillor Peter Pui said.

“If only demolition work was stopped a few days ago, it could still have been salvaged.” Pui, who has been fighting for the preservation of the building, said the Garment Store was still standing, but the fish market, considered a more relevant part of the waterfront, had not been spared.

Despite being a councillor, he has not been able to obtain the plans for the development of the area from the city council, nor any bit of information verbally either.

Pui said city council officers did not respond to his queries. He said some pillars of the buildings could be preserved despite the demolition. The Member of Parliament for Kuching, Chong Chieng Jen, said the city waterfront was definitely of historical value.

“However, without the people, the fish market basically lost its charm,” he said, adding that the people flooding the place, including the traders, kept the area alive.

Read more at Malay Mail Online

Kuching’s heritage under threat

5 buildings torn down, fate of 2 more uncertain

Ng Suzhen

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009 07:22:00


KUCHING
NEARLY 140 years of history has been demolished. And all for a place for families to stroll about. Kuching recently lost a number of historical buildings on its waterfront and some locals are trying to save the two remaining from the wrecking ball. But their pleas are being ignored.

Five heritage buildings have already been torn down. Among those still standing include the Garment Store, which was built around 1929, and the fish market, dating back to the 1870s. Sarawak’s first museum, which is as old as the fish market, was sadly torn down.

Read more at Malay Mail Online