KUCHING: The state government is serious in preserving, conserving and promoting the city’s heritage sites.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this was not only to protect the historical artifact but also to attract more tourists.
“Areas such as Satok, Gambier Road, Main Bazaar and Padungan have great cultural and historical value. The government will aggressively promote these as tourist attractions,” he said during the launch of Muda Hashim Garage Sale 4.0, at Jalan Kulas in Satok last Saturday night.
He said that is why the government is going to launch the Kuching Heritage Week next week to further promote Kuching historical sites.
“When the heritage sites and facilities are enhanced, definitely more tourists will come. One of the sites is Masjid India floating mosque which we have just opened,” he said.
Abang Johari said the government would also renovate the old Brooke Dockyard and upgrade areas in Kampung Masjid and Kampung Bintagor.
“When more people visit these places, they will buy souvenirs,” he pointed said.
Abang Johari, who is also Satok assemblyman, said the people would buy handicrafts like “kain keringkam” and traditional food and “kuih” (cake) including those in Satok area.
“When the heritages sites get visitors, the people there will be able to generate extra income by selling local products,” he said.
He then urged PBB Satok youth to organise courses on e-commerce and the usage of Sarawak Pay for its traders in Satok.
“Everything is going digital today … so when you promote your goods online, you will be able to reach a wider market locally and internationally.”
The two-day garage sales is organised by PBB Satok youth led by Dzamaluddin Zainudin.
