KOTA SAMARAHAN: Phase One of the Samarahan Boulevard project has progressed smoothly, with Phase Two expected to begin next year.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the boulevard, touted to be the largest in Sarawak, was being developed in stages and was expected to be completed within the next two to three years.
“The boulevard would be an ideal place to host major programmes in the coming years. It has space for parking, walkways, performances, entertainment and more — all in one large area,” he said.
He said this during a press conference on the Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival (SFCF) 2025 at the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) here today.
Alluding to SFCF, Abdul Karim said it is set to be listed in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar next year.
He said both the ministry and the organisers were committed to strengthening the festival so that it could continue long-term and grow into a larger event over the coming years.
He assured that the ministry would look into allocating a bigger budget next year to support the festival’s expansion.
“InsyaAllah, it will be included in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar next year. We want this event to remain sustainable and continue for many years,” he added.
Abdul Karim said the festival had the potential to reach the scale of the Kuching South City Council’s month-long Kuching Food Festival held every August.
He asserted that Samarahan had a rapidly growing population, and a longer festival period would give residents more opportunities to enjoy food, activities and cultural performances.
“This year’s festival would run for 10 days, an increase from the previous week-long format, and is expected to become an important platform to promote Samarahan as a tourism destination.
“This year we are keeping it to 10 days, but I believe the people of Samarahan would welcome a month-long event in the future,” he said.
