Singapore consulate in Kuching to be located within Kuching South City Council area, says mayor

KUCHING, Oct 25 — The much-anticipated Consulate-General of Singapore in Kuching will be located within the Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) jurisdiction, according to Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.

He said the location is likely to be in an area that has recently gained popularity among locals, in the vicinity of high-end residential neighbourhoods.

“More details will soon be publicly announced,” he said during his Facebook live session ‘Shall WEE Talk’ on Saturday.

He made the disclosure in response to netizens’ enquiries about the potential location of the consulate.

Wee went on to provide a few clues on the location, saying it is now a popular area, features high-end residential properties, and that its name contains the word ‘bank’.

However, he did not reveal the precise location.

It is noted that the plan to establish a Consulate-General of Singapore in Kuching was first proposed in 2023.

The proposal was highlighted when Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg attended the 10th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat held in Singapore, where he agreed to the establishment of the consulate.

Abang Johari pointed out that the consulate would help further strengthen bilateral ties and foster cooperation between Sarawak and Singapore in sectors including economy and tourism.

During a courtesy call on Abang Johari in January this year, High Commissioner of Singapore to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon announced that Singapore intended to set up consulates in both Kuching and Kota Kinabalu to enhance connections in trade, investment and tourism.

Vanu said the Singaporean Government had approved the plan by November 2023.

Following this approval, Singapore has been identifying suitable premises in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, including the possible use of temporary office space during the initial phase. — The Borneo Post