By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 21: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has highlighted that major construction activity will soon begin in front of the Darul Hana Mosque along Jalan Tun Salahuddin, where an underpass project is being implemented as part of Kuching’s infrastructure modernisation.
He said various parts of the city are currently undergoing active construction, largely due to ongoing efforts to upgrade public transport and road networks, including the rollout of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project.
“At the moment, we are busy with various construction works happening across the city—including in Darul Hana.
“Soon, there will be a lot of work in front of the mosque, as we are building an underpass in that area,” he said during Kuching North City Commission’s (DBKU) Hari Raya Aidilfitri event near the DBKU building here earlier tonight.
The underpass along Jalan Tun Salahuddin will be the third in Kuching, following those at Mile 3 and the Datuk Temenggong Abang Kipali bin Abang Akip Interchange in Petra Jaya.
Abang Johari also outlined several other key infrastructure projects in Kuching North. Among them is the expansion of the road from Yayasan Sarawak to Damai, which will include a dual carriageway and a dedicated lane for the ART system. A new bridge crossing the Santubong River is also in the pipeline to enhance connectivity to Pantai Damai and nearby areas.
In Sejingkat, a new bridge is being built to link Kampung Beliong and Kampung Beradek, while in Tupong, road widening works are aimed at improving traffic flow and access to housing areas.
Flood mitigation efforts are underway in Samariang, where the government plans to redevelop the low-lying area, similar to the Bukit Assek project in Sibu, to better manage flood risks.
The Premier also highlighted ongoing work in Satok, including the construction of a unique bridge that will enhance the landscape of Kampung Masjid Haji Taha and complement broader waterfront development efforts in the area.
Additionally, Abang Johari shared that he and Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah have discussed reviving the Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHe) initiative.
The project will focus on developing a heritage trail, featuring culturally significant sites such as Rumah Batu Datu Bandar Abang Haji Muhammad Kassim bin Datu Bandar Abang Haji Bolhassan (DBAK). — DayakDaily
