Several sites for KM0 monument in Kuching identified

The proposed location for KM0 (KM Zero) Monument which will be built in Kuching has been narrowed down to three.

According to a report by the Borneo Post, the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) Sarawak is currently conducting the meticulous process of doing historical research, consultations with local authorities and knowledgeable residents, on possible locations.

The process also involves on-site visits.

Among the agencies engaged by the RISM is the Sarawak Museum, Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and history enthusiasts in the ‘Kuching – Then and Now’ Facebook group.

Where is KM0 Kuching?

The report explains that findings reveal that JKR traditionally designated the Kuching General Post Office on Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg as the reference point for distance measurements, with the British also having similar practice in the past.

However, the current Kuching General Post Office is not the original post office in Kuching with the post office located at the Old Court House Complex in the past.

Based on that and forum interactions RISM Sarawak had proposed three potential locations for the KM0 monument which are;

• Location No 1: The open area facing Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg (30m from the old post office)
• Location No 2: At Pangkalan Batu opposite Charles Brooke Memorial (90m from the old post office)
• Location No 3: At Pangkalan Batu near Masjid India Bandar Kuching facing Jalan Gambier (150m from the old post office)

The Borneo Post report suggest that Location 3 is currently the favourite for the monument which would bear two cats holding a circular disc which states 0KM.

Why mark KM0

Based on media reports, the idea to mark KM0 in Kuching was to denote a particular location or origin, usually in the capital city, from which distances are measured.

RISM Sarawak Branch chairman Sharlene Toh, was quoted by Borneo Post as saying that having such monument would also restore a piece of lost history.

Aside from that, it was also noted that the monument would also serve as a symbol of the integral role of surveyors in surveying and measuring our landscape.

The launch of the KM0 was done at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on 9 May 2024.