KUCHING: Sarawak encourages the revitalisation of old buildings for new purposes while preserving their heritage value, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
Citing an example, the Sarawak Premier said the state government planned to renovate the General Post Office building on Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg here once negotiations are completed for its return by the Federal Government.
"The Post Office is now under the Federal Government. We are negotiating to take over the building.
"Then we will renovate it, but we have to maintain its heritage value," he told reporters after opening Wisma Elica here on Tuesday (July 28).
Abang Johari said the Darul Kurnia building at Jalan Haji Taha and two buildings along Jalan Ban Hock were among other heritage properties with the potential to be revitalised.
For privately-owned properties, he said the state government encouraged the owners to renovate them for specific functions.
"It's up to the owner to redesign the building, but without losing its heritage," he said.
In his speech earlier, Abang Johari said the opening of Wisma Elica would help strengthen Sarawak's position as a preferred destination for investment, tourism and quality living.
A former hospitality property, the building was renovated to house the first Voco Hotel in Malaysia under IHG Hotels and Resorts, as well as the Care Collective senior wellness centre.
"This opening symbolises confidence in our future. It reflects the willingness of the private sector to invest in our economy, create new opportunities and contribute meaningfully towards the long-term development of our state," the Premier said.
He also said first-class services and infrastructure were vital to attract investors and visitors to Sarawak.
For instance, he said the state government was upgrading public transport services with the ongoing development of the autonomous rapid transit (ART) system in Kuching.
In addition, the state-owned airline AirBorneo is improving air connectivity with its recently-launched jet services to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
"In our route planning, we are going to expand within Asean and East Asia, including Japan and South Korea, enabling guests from those countries to come here.
"We anticipate visitors coming here for a long stay, with all the services provided for their comfort," Abang Johari said.
