BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & NATASHA JEE
KUCHING: More than just an administrative hub, the new Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) office complex will anchor a five-phase masterplan designed to transform Mile 12, Jalan Kuching-Serian into a sustainable civic landmark, blending governance, recreation, culture and community life.
MPP chairman Tan Kai said the RM70 million project built on a 20-acre site of land, will see the construction of the new nine-storey building under phase one and is to be carried out in two packages.
“For package one, it involved ground works that commenced in July 2025. For package two, it covers the main building works expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with an anticipated completion timeline of three years,” he said.
He was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project at Mile 12, Jalan Kuching-Serian, which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Tan Kai added that phase two will see the development of a two-storey public amenities building, which will provide facilities to meet the daily needs of residents and visitors.
“Meanwhile, phase three of the project is the creation of an open-air amphitheatre together with a wetland pond and this will provide a green oasis for recreation and relaxation, while the pond will also function as a flood retention area to strengthen climate resilience.
“The amphitheatre will serve as a performance space for arts, culture, and community gatherings,” he said.
He said phase four of the construction will be a festival market, whereby the area will become a vibrant venue for food festivals, night markets and cultural events, helping to promote local businesses and tourism.
“Phase five will see the development of an integrated sports centre. This facility is designed to promote active living and foster community spirit through a variety of sports and recreational activities,” he said.
He also said building concept takes inspiration from the Hornbill, the State Bird of Sarawak, whose distinctive form shapes both the master planning and urban layout.
“The building itself incorporates green building principles, fosters community engagement, enhances security measures and ensures ease of maintenance,” he said.
Tan Kai also said MPP celebrates it 69 years since its establishment as a local authority and 29 years as a municipal council.
“Our current MPP office building, in use since 1991, has served as the nerve centre of our
operations for more than three decades, a place where countless services have been delivered, policies formulated and passed and initiatives launched for the people of Padawan.
“But as Padawan has grown, so too have the needs and expectations of our community.
“It is therefore timely to move forward with a modern, purpose-built and sustainable building that embraces new concepts in public service, shifting from being seen merely as a place to pay fines, assessment tax or licence fees, into a people-centric civic hub where residents feel a sense of belonging and where they can connect, engage and access services in a more efficient, comfortable welcoming environment,” he said.
He also thanked the Sarawak government and Abang Johari for approving the grant of RM60 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), of which forms the core of the funding for this RM70 million flagship project.
“We also acknowledge the vision and persistence of our former MPP chairman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, who pushed this project forward in its early stages,” said Tan Kai.
