Abdul Karim: Dock Lane mural boosts Kuching’s identity and tourism appeal (Video)

KUCHING (April 5): A newly unveiled urban art mural at Dock Lane is set to transform the area into a vibrant cultural attraction while highlighting the rich historical narrative of Kuching Waterfront.

Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Dock Lane mural—an initiative by the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU)—has injected new life into the area.

“From the beginning to the end, the mural tells, to some extent, the historical journey of Kuching.

“It is a walk down memory lane that reflects the city’s development,” he said when met by reporters after officiating the mural opening near the Brooke Dockyard on Sunday.

He noted that such creative efforts help build a distinctive identity for the city while enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination.

Abdul Karim, who is also Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, believes that the mural will become a popular backdrop for visitors, especially with the upcoming opening of the Brooke Dockyard Industrial Heritage Museum.

“This will indirectly promote Kuching to the world as visitors take photos and share them,” he added.

The new urban art mural, created by local artist Kong Chak Kiong, better known as Jagung, was completed in just 10 days and carries the theme ‘Left to Right Flow: The Timeline of Kuching’s Waterfront Legacy.’

Featuring a contemporary stained-glass style, the artwork combines bold lines and vibrant colours to depict Kuching’s evolution as a historic port city, while maintaining strong visual appeal.

It also pays tribute to the working community through depictions of dock labourers and welders, alongside cultural elements such as the preparation of Sarawak’s iconic kolo mee.

Abdul Karim said the Dock Lane mural is part of a broader trend of mural development across Sarawak, including in Kuching, Miri and Sibu, with 17 murals currently identified within DBKU’s jurisdiction.

“These murals allow both locals and visitors to appreciate the history of each place, as many are closely linked to the heritage of the area,” he said.

On vandalism, he stressed the importance of public responsibility in preserving such initiatives.

“Vandalism can damage what has been put in place by local authorities to beautify the city. Repair works are possible, but they are difficult, costly and time-consuming,” he said.

He urged the public to take pride in their surroundings and play a role in maintaining the city’s cleanliness and aesthetic appeal.

Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU, and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Kuching North Datuk Bandar Dato Hilmy Othman.

Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah Dock Lane Kuching Waterfront mural onsite