Rentap: Damaged Kuching Civic Centre roof to undergo inspection, masterplan underway for redevelopment - Borneo Post Online (2025)

KUCHING (April 9): The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Mysed) will work with the Public Works Department (JKR) to inspect the Kuching Civic Centre’s roof after a component was blown off and fell into a nearby home garden yesterday.

Deputy Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said all of Sarawak’s civic centres are now under the ministry’s purview and will come under a redevelopment masterplan.

“We will get our people to have a look at the rest of the structure of the roof. Ever since Covid-19, we’ve had a lot of issues around here. A lot of buildings are not under maintenance; some issues like wear and tear. Plus, the weather again.

“So, for the safety of everybody, we will make the effort to have the thing completely checked, structurally and all that,” he told reporters after officiating at an event at the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) Centre here today.

The roof component had fallen into the garden of architect-designer Edric Ong, whose house is located near the Kuching Civic Centre.

Edric’s brother Edgar shared the incident on Facebook, saying it was lucky the component did not fall onto a road or carpark, which could have endangered motorists or damaged vehicles.

Edgar also urged the authorities to urgently inspect the civic centre roof for public safety.

Rentap said the incident was unfortunate due to inclement weather.

“We will get our technical people, with JKR’s help, to look into the what is happening. But be mindful of the weather. There is a big change, climate change. So, we have to be mindful,” he said.

According to him, the Kuching Civic Centre has outlived its original purpose.

“Last time, there were no big hotels for everybody. So, the civic centre was the place where we had all the big functions with our leaders and also wedding receptions. But now, there are many more choices for the people.

“We are doing a plan to look into the redevelopment of civic centres, especially Kuching Civic Centre,” he said.

He shared that the ministry recently met with JKR and discussed redeveloping the civic centre in the coming months.

“There is such a nice space here in the middle of the city and something can be done for the use of all the people around here. So, unfortunately, the incident happened,” he said.

According to previous news reports, the Kuching Civic Centre was built in 1988.

Known for its futuristic umbrella-shaped tower, the landmark was designed by renowned Malaysian architect Hijjas Kasturi.

In his ministerial winding up speech during the State Legislative Assembly meeting November last year, Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said his ministry has started implementing an action plan aimed at revitalising the iconic building to restore its prominence and splendour.