[12 Aug 2024 addendum: erroneous messages in chat groups and change.org posts stated that the petition is only available for signature until 12/08.
There is NO DEADLINE for the signing of SHS’s  “Stop the Demolition of the old Nurses Quarters”  petition on change.org.]

 

In response to significant calls by its members and the public, the Sarawak Heritage Society (SHS) has written to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to seek his urgent intervention to halt the projet involving a complete demolition of Kuching’s historical Nurses’ Quarters (NQ), said SHS President Datin Rosemarie Wong-Jabu in her address at SHS’s Annual General Meeting on 03 August, adding that the SHS and concerned citizens have called for protection of the Kuching NQ since 2019.

SHS has also launched an online appeal entitled “Stop the Demolition of the old Nurses Quarters” for signing by the public. We call on you, dear reader, to sign it.

Located near the junction of Jalan Crookshank and Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, opposite Kuching’s General Hospital, the Old Nurses’ Quarters are a significant element of Sarawak’s remaining built heritage. Representing well the architecture of its time, the building stands elegantly along a main road junction. Despite the lack of ground maintenance it upholds its beauty and harmony, and is loaded with history, as stressed in the SHS paper shared with the Premier and Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

SHS’s understanding is that, as currently proposed, the project would entail a full demolition of the NQ building to make way for a water retention pond to aid in flood mitigation for the area.

SHS understands the need for flood mitigation but believes that the required infrastructure can and should cohabit with preservation of key heritage elements of the NQ -in particular the front element- as the building appears to still be structurally sound. The repurposed, upgraded building could be envisaged for commercial use, e.g. accommodation and perhaps a mini-museum to recognise the contribution of the nursing community to Sarawak’s society.

“We urge Kuching’s community to support our plea”, said Datin Rosemarie Wong-Jabu.

Help us by signing our appeal if you have not done so yet! It’s simple and easy. Click on this link:

“Stop the Demolition of the old Nurses Quarters”

 

A vintage picture showing the original look of the Nurses Quarters building