IN JALAN Padungan, the heart of Kuching’s Chinatown lined with historical shophouses, the facade wall on the first floor of a corner lot collapsed in the early morning of April 6.

Firefighters from the Padungan station were dispatched to the scene after a call was received at 6.23am.

Thankfully there were no injuries reported.

Still, it is a cause for concern, not only with regard to safety but also the preservation of heritage buildings.

Such concerns were underscored by preliminary investigations by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR).

It deemed the affected unit and two intermediate shoplots to be unsafe.

Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the incident was a wake-up call.

According to him, the century- old building was “not just a structure of wood and brick” but a part of Kuching’s living heritage.

“Many of the structures within the heart of Kuching are of considerable age, and while they are cherished as part of our cultural legacy, we must ensure they remain safe for those who live, work and walk among them,” he told a press conference following the incident.

Commendably, the authorities have acted promptly to initiate a coordinated response.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is working with the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department, JKR, Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak branch and other relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the wall failure.

In addition, MBKS will work with technical experts to assess and review the structural safety of other century-old and ­potentially vulnerable buildings in its jurisdiction.

The city council also plans to ­introduce a more robust inspection framework, clearer maintenance guidelines and support, where possible, to building owners in need of assistance to preserve historical structures responsibly.

“If you are the owner or occupant of an old building and notice any signs of deterioration, please report it to the council immediately. Safety must always come first, and it is a shared responsibility,” said Wee.

Kuching North mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman also weighed in on the issue, pledging to collaborate strategically with MBKS to ensure that cultural buildings were well-maintained for generations to come.

“This incident is a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to protect not only our cultural heritage but also the safety and well-being of our people.

“Our city is home to many cultural treasures, including the historic row of shophouses along Gambier Street and Carpenter Street, the iconic Kuching Waterfront, the General Post Office and the Brooke Dockyard.

“These sites are not just physical structures, they are living symbols of our identity, our past and our shared community pride,” he said.

Hilmy said the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) would conduct safety inspections of historical and aging buildings under its jurisdiction, while strengthening building maintenance regulations and enforcing compliance with safety standards.

The conservation and structural integrity of heritage sites must be prioritised, he added.

Both local authorities have expressed firm views about upholding safety and preserving heritage buildings.

Their stated commitment to regular inspections, better maintenance and enforcement is also timely and commendable.

Hopefully this will not remain mere words in the immediate aftermath of the Jalan Padungan incident, but will be turned into effective, concrete action to improve the safety of historical buildings.

Building owners must also do their part to maintain their properties well in compliance with regulations and proper standards, ensuring that they are structurally sound while respecting their heritage value.

After all, heritage buildings are an integral part of Kuching’s identity and cityscape.

Let’s not allow them to crumble into history due to poor maintenance, which would not only be a loss to the city’s cultural heritage but could also potentially endanger public safety.