KUCHING: The newly officiated Pusat Ekonomi Wanita Bandar Baru Samariang provides women with a conducive space to organise programmes, pursue economic activities and boost household income.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the facility was built in response to requests from the local women’s committee, led by Pusat Ekonomi Wanita Bandar Baru Samariang president Rosmah Zaini.
He said the centre would give women a dedicated place to gather, exchange ideas and discuss activities that could contribute to the socio-economic wellbeing of their families.
“Before this, we had already built a women’s centre in Kampung Pasir Pandak. Here in Bandar Baru Samariang, we saw the need for a similar facility because almost half of the population in the Samariang residential areas comprises women,’ he said when officiating the centre here today (Aug 23).
Dr Abdul Rahman, who is also Pantai Damai assemblyman, said various economic activities could be carried out at the centre, depending on the ideas and needs identified by the local community.
The initiative was part of the broader development of Bandar Baru Samariang, where previously vacant areas had been progressively developed into facilities for the community.
“Initially, these were just open spaces and football fields. Through the efforts of the JKKK, penghulu and village chiefs, we have gradually developed facilities such as a futsal court, public square, JKKK house, security huts, multipurpose hall, and most recently, this community centre,” he said.
He added that further development was also being planned, including the proposed Kompleks Sukan Pantai Damai in Bandar Baru Samariang, which is expected to feature various sports facilities including petanque and pickleball.
According to Dr Abdul Rahman, Pusat Ekonomi Wanita was constructed through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) with an allocation of RM200,000.
The project was completed in May 2025, while the electricity supply was connected recently, allowing the facility to be fully utilised by the community.
He encouraged the community to make full use of the facility, including allowing it to be rented for suitable activities, while giving priority to local residents and keeping rental rates reasonable.
Dr Abdul Rahman said the continued development of Bandar Baru Samariang reflected the government’s efforts to provide basic infrastructure and public facilities while creating a more harmonious and inclusive community.
He expressed hope that the area would continue to develop as a model of a diverse and harmonious community, with existing facilities and future projects benefiting residents across generations.
