KOTA SAMARAHAN: The establishment of the Samarahan Boulevard is expected to place the area on a new development trajectory.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the project reflects a visionary outlook that will transform Samarahan into a more vibrant, liveable and strategic urban area.
“This is a visionary project that will place Samarahan on a new footing once it is completed,” he said in his welcoming speech at the ground-breaking event for the Samarahan Boulevard, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg here today (Jan 17).
Abdul Karim said Kota Samarahan has undergone rapid transformation through comprehensive planning dating back to the 1980s, particularly with the establishment of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), turning it into a knowledge hub.
“With Kuching continuing to expand, Samarahan has evolved into a prime residential area, attracting not only locals but also residents from Kuching, especially young families. Such growth requires adequate facilities for recreation, social interaction and community wellbeing,” he said.
He said that the idea of developing a boulevard and public square stemmed from the need to provide a central space for recreation, gatherings and major events, similar to iconic squares found in major cities around the world.
“At present, large-scale state events are still held at Padang Merdeka in Kuching, which often results in severe traffic congestion. The Samarahan Boulevard is envisioned as a new venue capable of hosting major events in the next 20, 30 or even 50 years,” he said.
According to Abdul Karim, the boulevard will be an iconic landmark and a focal point for community activities, festivals and state-level programmes, while easing congestion in Kuching.
He added that the project aligns with broader infrastructure development in Samarahan, including the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, the elevated highway, a proposed new international airport and seaport, all of which are expected to significantly change the landscape of the area.
“The whole of Samarahan will change. Therefore, all stakeholders must always plan ahead and think long-term, without cutting corners, to ensure sustainable development for future generations,” he said.
Abdul Karim, who is also the chairman of the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA), said the agency has implemented a total of 637 development projects across the Samarahan division.
“Out of this number, 508 projects have been completed, representing nearly 80 per cent of the total. This reflects the encouraging implementation level and the Sarawak Government’s continued commitment to ensuring that development benefits reach the people,” he said.
It is understood that the Samarahan Boulevard project will be implemented in phases. Phase One involves an allocation of RM25 million focusing on basic infrastructure and recreational facilities.
Phase Two, meanwhile, involves an allocation of RM102 million, bringing the total cost of the project to RM127 million.
