KUCHING: The State Information Department in collaboration with Lumba Kuda 1 Malaysia Community is planning to set up a gallery or garden to commemorate horses that once participated in races at the area.
According to Director of State Information Department, Abang Sardon Abang Hashim the plan is in order to recall the history of the Lumba Kuda area where horse races were held during weekends.
“SK Lumba Kuda is a school located in a city centre and in the past it was known with horse racing activities. Hence, this is one of the reasons why our department adopts this school as we want to focus and highlight its history.
“We want our children now to know that this place was once a landmark for the people of Kuching,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of Merdeka programme @ Community with Foster School at SK Lumba Kuda here, yesterday.
He added that areas surrounding the school were never dull weekends in the past.
“On Saturday and Sunday the people would be watching horse races and enjoying the foods sold at the stalls around here,” he said.
He also noted that there is not horse statue in Kuching.
“Hence, if possible, this school should take the initiative to adopt a horse as the school’s mascot, especially during the school’s sports day,” he said.
He also pointed out that the department will cooperate with the Lumba Kuda 1 Malaysia Community to collect old photographs of the horse races and old jockey jerseys and other items.
“After we have collected all these historical items, people will know that once upon a time this school area was famous and well known with its popular activity among the people of Kuching,” he said.
Abang Sardon added that the school adoption is also an effort to share knowledge in terms of reading materials and latest information about the state and the country to the school.
