KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu Community Hall that was damaged by fire on July 29 will not be demolished but be restored instead.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) will submit an application to the State Government for the necessary funds to restore the historic building.
KePKAS Minister Datuk Christina Liew stated it holds significant historical and cultural value since its completion in 1958 and since then hosted a wide range of events, including government programmes, cultural festivals, community engagements, gaming tournaments, musicals, beauty pageants, as well as activities organised by NGOs and youth groups.
“We do not want to lose this valuable heritage building altogether. According to records maintained by the Sabah Museum Department, the Kota Kinabalu Community Hall was designated a cultural heritage site from 1999 until 2017. In 2017, it was officially declared a State Heritage Building in accordance with the State Heritage Enactment 2017,” said Liew, who is also Chairperson of the State Heritage Council, after inspecting the site of the fire incident on Monday.
She was accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Josie Lai; the Director of the Sabah Museum Department, Abd Arif Hamid; and the Deputy Director-General of Kota Kinabalu City Hall (Financial Management Sector), Victor Gerard Kuasi.
Liew also called for urgent efforts to clear the extensive debris and to cordon off the affected area to ensure public safety.
“We want to prevent any injuries, particularly among children and the elderly,” she emphasised.
Also present were the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary II, Datin Cleopatra Asing; the Deputy Director of the Sabah Museum Department, Lester Millip; and the Director of the Property Management Department (DBKK), Jamaliah Basir.-pr/BNN
