KUCHING: Batu Kawah will see a major transformation once plans for the water theme park, expansive park areas and a shopping centre come to fruition by 2030.
Deputy Premier and Batu Kawah State Assemblyman, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, said the Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multipurpose Hall and its nearby areas are among the most unique developments in his constituency.
“This (Ang Cheng Ho Quarry) is a very unusual place. Behind me, there are 20 acres of parkland and the water here is as deep as eight storeys, on which this building (Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multipurpose Hall) is built.
“Meanwhile, the next phase of the development will involve lighting installations and other facilities to further enhance the area.
“By 2030, there will be a major water theme park, shopping centre. Altogether, there will be 70 acres of parks excluding buildings,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the Sarawak Open International Dragon and Lion Dance Cup 2025 held at the Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multipurpose Hall here today.
Dr Sim encouraged the public to invest in Batu Kawah, saying property prices in the area have increased by 200 to 300 per cent over the past few years and are expected to continue rising.
He later expressed his appreciation to the Chinese Martial Art Association (CMAA) for organising the competition, which was sanctioned by the Dragon and Lion Dance Federation of Malaysia and to the performers, saying such collaboration helps drive the state’s nation-building efforts while strengthening unity.
“With your support, Sarawak can continue to prosper. Hopefully, when Sarawak does well, the rest of Malaysia can follow. We don’t want others to be jealous of Sarawak’s success. We want Malaysia to do well too, but with Sarawak leading the way,” he said.
Dr Sim also said that Sarawak’s rapid development has made it a leading example in Malaysia, adding that the state now hosts numerous major events.
“This weekend we have the Sarawak Regatta and this dragon and lion dance competition. It’s a very busy time for us.
“Ten years ago, there was nothing like this. If you asked people to come to Sarawak, they would ask, ‘Where is Sarawak?’” he said.
Meanwhile, the two-day dragon and lion dance competition is also supported by the Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry.
The second edition of the competition this year features 500 performers from 46 teams representing Malaysia (Sarawak, Sabah, Johor and Melaka), Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and China.
They will be competing in four categories namely the Northern Lion Dance, High Pole Southern Lion Dance, Traditional Southern Lion Dance and Moonlight Dance – for a total prize pool of RM65,000.
