KUCHING: The book, “PADUNGAN: History and Humanity in a Heritage precinct of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia” is a good example of how different parts of Kuching or in Sarawak in general, should be researched, studied and documented, said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah today.
The Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and the Performing Arts explained that his ministry was always supportive of efforts that sought to document the state’s tangible and intangible heritage.
“In fact, under the Sarawak Post COVID-19 Development Strategies 2030, the ministry is tasked to document at least 50 tangible and intangible heritage of Sarawak by 2030.
“It’s crucial to document our heritage for three major reasons; among them is for Sarawakians to know and appreciate their own history, culture, and tradition.
“Secondly, we may also identify endangered heritage — art, craft, skills, trades — so that intervention can be done to conserve them.
“Finally, by documenting and presenting our history and tradition to our visitors or tourists, we may create a more engaging experience for them.”
Abdul Karim encouraged writers to write because the state required a significant amount of information for future generations to understand how certain areas were developed.
Abdul Karim launched the book, written by James S L Yong and published by JYGlobal Creations, at Telang Usan Hotel today.
It is believed to be the first book to focus on the history and heritage of Padungan.
According to Yong, the book is about the people, locations and stories of Padungan from the 19th century to the present day, with field research assistance from John C H Soon.
“Filled with originally commissioned photographs by Jee Foong and vivid illustrations by Gabrielle Lim, it reflects on the vibrant heritage of the community through field research, testimonials and historical anecdotes.
“Padungan has played an important role in Kuching’s modern history and has cultural, social, and heritage significance although it is less studied than other ‘Old Kuching’ places like the Main Bazaar, India Street and the Old Courthouse,” he said.
He added it recorded what the area was like in the past, how the people in the area lived, worked and enjoyed themselves as well as significant historical events that affected the landscape and cultural heritage that had been passed down.
I’ve had a fascination with Padungan since I was a schoolboy in the 1960s and 1970s. I recall it as a hub of many activities that spawned a complex ecosystem and active community bustling with activities both day and night.
“In 2018, I was asked to write an article on Padungan for a local magazine, which rekindled many of these nostalgic memories and motivated me to start investigating different sub-zones inside the Padungan area.”
The book is written for a variety of readers with direct connections to the area, including historians, heritage practitioners, advocates, tourists, visitors, municipal authorities, and urban planners.
“PADUNGAN: History & Humanity in a Heritage Precinct in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia” is made possible by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, the Sarawak Heritage Society, Badan Warisan Malaysia, and other generous individuals.
Yong is a writer, researcher, consultant, and heritage advocate. He served as president of the Sarawak Heritage Society (SHS) from 2020 to 2022. He is passionate about sustainable heritage management, creativity, and business strategy, and has a background in computing, business and digital government.
