KUCHING – A monument commemorating Sarawak’s liberation from Japanese occupation during World War II was unveiled on September 11, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of this historic event.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including YB Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
Representatives from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom—countries whose forces fought alongside Sarawak during the war—were also present.
According to Dato Wee Hong Seng, Mayor of Kuching South, the monument represents more than just a physical structure.
“This monument is not merely stone and steel. It is the voice of history, speaking to us across time,” he stated during his address.
The initiative for the memorial dates back to 2019 when Mayor Wee first envisioned creating a landmark that would connect economic development with historical preservation.
The project faced delays during the pandemic but resumed with the restoration of the plaque at the World War II Memorial Clock Tower.
The monument serves as a testament to the Allied forces, Sarawakian resistance fighters, and civilians who suffered during the occupation.
It aims to educate younger generations about the cost of freedom and the importance of maintaining peace.
The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has been actively working to integrate heritage preservation with tourism development.
Plans include establishing a Heritage War Trail connecting significant WWII sites from Batu Lintang to Padungan and Pending.
This initiative complements existing cultural attractions such as murals and monuments throughout the city, which transform urban spaces into historical experiences that attract tourists while preserving local identity.
The monument unveiling is part of broader efforts to restore historical landmarks to their original commemorative purpose, including the Padungan Clock Tower, which was initially built as a World War II memorial.