By Shikin Louis and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 1: The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) has unveiled an ambitious proposal to revitalise the iconic Kuching Waterfront, with plans to enhance its attractiveness and visitor-friendliness, including through a major extension from Sungai Bintangor to the Satok Bridge to make it the longest and most beautiful riverfront in the country.
DBKU Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman said the Revitalisation of Kuching Waterfront project aims to modernise the overall design of the city’s riverfront, transforming it into a vibrant, welcoming, and aesthetically captivating space for both locals and tourists.
“The project will not only reshape the area into an iconic new cityscape but also serve as a catalyst for tourism growth.
“This is in line with our aspiration to strengthen Kuching’s identity as a world-class tourism destination,” he said during his speech at the 37th Kuching City Day celebration held at Pangkalan Sapi today.
Hilmy added that the waterfront upgrade forms part of DBKU’s broader urban strategy aligned with the Premier of Sarawak’s vision to transform Kuching into a sustainable, liveable, and globally competitive city.
Among other key urban infrastructure initiatives highlighted were the upcoming Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) station near the Hikmah Exchange building, the soon-to-be-launched Sungai Bintangor Bridge, and the Sejingkat Bridge linking the Sejingkat and Demak Laut industrial zones to Tanjung Bako, all aimed at improving mobility, connectivity, and economic development in Kuching North.
Also in the pipeline are the construction of an 8.5-kilometre coastal road connecting Bako to Buntal, and the development of green infrastructure and recreational facilities in Samariang Pinggir under the Blue Green Infrastructure (BGI) initiative.
The Damai Peninsula is also undergoing transformation into a premier tourism zone under the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), featuring a new Marina Bay and resort-style hotels as part of long-term tourism development plans.
Meanwhile, in the Demak Laut Industrial Area and Senari Port, the Petra Green Technology Park, spanning 1,214 hectares (3,000 acres), is being developed as a premier hub for green industries, advanced technologies, and sustainable development.
He said the park will also house a high-spec data centre powered by a 300MW solar farm, integrated with a 600MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
This project is equipped with comprehensive infrastructure to support data centre operations and green technology initiatives, in alignment with global sustainability goals and Sarawak’s commitment to clean energy.
“These projects not only uplift the city’s image and urban landscape but will also significantly improve the quality of life for our residents and make Kuching more appealing to international visitors and investors,” Hilmy added.
The Kuching City Day celebration commemorates the city’s official declaration in 1988 as the first city in Sarawak. This year’s event was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng was also present.
Beyond honouring Kuching’s achievements, the celebration also aims to foster unity, civic pride, and appreciation for the collective role of all communities in building a peaceful, clean, and sustainable city. — DayakDaily
