By Shikin Louis
KUCHING: A premium two-storey semi-detached house at Samariang Aman 3 (SA3) in Petra Jaya has been transformed into a community centre and sales gallery, giving residents a dedicated space for neighbourhood activities while allowing developer Hock Seng Lee (HSL) to continue showcasing its housing products.
Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman commended HSL for the initiative, describing it as an uncommon approach that allows a private housing developer to continue supporting residents beyond the sale of homes.
“Usually, community halls and similar facilities are provided by DBKU or the Sarawak government.
“Thus, it is a very good and commendable approach by HSL in providing this community centre that is well-equipped with a kitchen, children’s play area and recreational spaces,” he said during a press conference after officiating the centre’s opening today.
Hilmy said the dual-purpose arrangement would allow residents to organise community activities while prospective homebuyers could also visit the premises to view the housing features offered by HSL.
Meanwhile, HSL Realty director Yu Ji said the company had decided against selling the semi-detached unit after discussions with the residents’ association and had removed it from its sales inventory.
“We have taken it out of the sales system, so you cannot buy this unit. It is for them to use,” he said.
Yu said HSL wanted residents to make full use of the facility, which could accommodate activities beyond the occasional sales events typically held at property galleries.
Residents have already organised blood donation drives, free medical health screenings and gotong-royong activities, while plans include a students’ academic excellence award programme in December.
The company is also exploring the possibility of allowing students to use the premises as a tuition centre during examination periods.
HSL spent approximately RM220,000 converting the two-storey semi-detached house into the facility, working with IDC Architects and Sean Interior Design.
The ground floor features a reception area, event space, children’s play area, fully equipped kitchen and landscaped garden, while the upper floor has a furnished master bedroom and three additional air-conditioned rooms available for residents’ use.
Samariang Aman 3 is a 3,000-unit landed housing development in Petra Jaya being undertaken in phases. Hilmy said the developer was currently completing the first phase of about 400 to 600 units, with subsequent phases depending on supply and demand.
The housing estate, which was launched in 2020, offers single- and double-storey terrace houses as well as semi-detached homes, with landscaped cycling and jogging paths.
Residents have also established two registered organisations, one representing homeowners and another overseeing neighbourhood watch activities, with volunteers conducting night patrols.
Hilmy said although SA3 was not officially a gated community, it would incorporate similar features, including a control centre, community centre and organised neighbourhood activities.
At the event, Hilmy also presented prizes for the SA3 Ekiden Relay, a 15km team race involving five runners each covering 3km.
Team Hoalian-A took the mixed open category in 1:01:53, while Team Hoalian-B won the mixed veteran category in 1:09:30.
Revrun Power Puff Girls claimed the female open title in 1:18:46, while BBS Runner topped the male open category in 59:38.
Also present was Samariang Aman 3 Residents’ Association spokesperson Zameen Saini who is also a popular content creator by the name of NgekTsai.
In a separate statement issued afterwards, HSL Senior General Manager for Property Development, Tay Chiok Kee, said the company has submitted plans to DBKU for a new security checkpoint, featuring an office, storage area, toilet, CCTV and a rainwater-harvesting system.
“HSL wants to build this guardhouse for the residents. We’re awaiting gov approvals,” Tay said, adding the project forms part of HSL’s corporate social responsibility programme.
“It’s every developer’s dream to sell houses to residents who care enough to form their own associations and volunteer to make the estate even better.” — DayakDaily
