Sarawak Wants Its Old Buildings Back, Starting With The One Putrajaya Is Still Holding
Sarawak is reviving its heritage buildings for tourism and investment — but its most symbolic project is still waiting on a negotiation with Putrajaya.
It just needs the Federal Government to hand one of them back first.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the state government intends to renovate the General Post Office building on Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg in Kuching — once negotiations for its return from the Federal Government are completed.
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 was speaking to reporters after opening Wisma Elica in Kuching on Tuesday (28 July).
The premier, widely known as Abang Jo, did not give a timeline for when those negotiations might conclude.
Old Walls, New Purpose
The post office is one of several heritage properties Abang Johari identified as having potential for revitalisation.
The Darul Kurnia building at Jalan Haji Taha and two buildings along Jalan Ban Hock were also named.
For privately-owned heritage properties, he said the state encouraged owners to renovate them for specific functions — on the condition that their heritage character is preserved.
It’s up to the owner to redesign the building, but without losing its heritage.
The model he is pointing to was on display at the very event where he was speaking.
Wisma Elica, a former hospitality property, has been renovated to house the first Voco Hotel in Malaysia under IHG Hotels and Resorts, alongside the Care Collective senior wellness centre.
The building is now doing two jobs where it once did one.
This opening symbolises confidence in our future. It reflects the willingness of the private sector to invest in our economy.
Not Just A Stopover Anymore
The heritage push sits within a broader effort to position Sarawak as a destination — not just a stopover.
State-owned airline AirBorneo, which recently launched services to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, is also planning to expand routes within Asean and into East Asia, including Japan and South Korea.
We anticipate visitors coming here for a long stay, with all the services provided for their comfort.
The ambition is clear.
The post office, when it eventually comes back, will have a lot to live up to.
