By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 11: Batu Kawa has the potential to surpass Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) as a major urban development hub with further development, given its vast land availability and growing range of facilities.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said unlike KLCC, which occupies a relatively small and densely developed area, Batu Kawa has ample space to accommodate future expansion while offering facilities comparable to those found in the capital’s iconic commercial district.
“KLCC has a very small land area, with its development highly integrated and dense. Batu Kawa, on the other hand, has the space and facilities comparable to KLCC,” he said when speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Batu Kawa–Jalan Datuk Stephen Yong road project in Moyan today.
Abang Johari said the area’s transformation was part of the broader plan to expand Kuching in response to rapid population growth, increasing economic activities and investments.
He said Kuching’s development had expanded from Petra Jaya to Jalan Song, Samarahan and now Batu Kawa, with further connectivity planned towards Bau.
The growth of commercial centres and investments, including those in Samajaya, had contributed to the rising population and economic activities in the greater Kuching area, he added.
Abang Johari said the growing number of residents and vehicles had also contributed to congestion along the Batu Kawa route towards Kuching, making improved road connectivity increasingly necessary.
The new road project, costing more than RM200 million, would help ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility for residents and businesses.
He commended Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa incumbent Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian for his efforts in pushing for development in the constituency.
“Dr Sim works hard. He is quick on his feet. He has been leading the development of Batu Kawa,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that the Sarawak government was committed to ensuring balanced development between urban and rural areas, with both communities receiving the necessary infrastructure and support.
He said Sarawak’s ability to undertake major infrastructure projects depended on its financial strength and capacity to generate revenue independently.
He attributed the increase in state revenue partly to Sarawak’s exercise of its rights to impose State Sales Tax on petroleum products.
“This is why we dare to build roads, schools and facilities such as the cancer centre, which Sarawak will finance upfront. All this is for the people. This is the work we have been doing over the past 10 years,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Sim, in his speech, highlighted the extensive developments that had taken place and were underway in Batu Kawa, reflecting the constituency’s transformation into an increasingly developed urban centre.
Among the projects he cited were Batu Kawa Riverbank Park, the major transformation of Ang Cheng Ho Quarry into a community development area featuring a multipurpose sports and social hall and an innovation hub, as well as the upcoming Blue Park.
He also highlighted the ongoing flood mitigation project and the growing range of commercial, educational and community facilities in the area. These include Affin Bank, petrol stations, two McDonald’s outlets within a one-kilometre radius, a 24-hour E-Mart supermarket and a hospice and palliative care services under Sarawak General Hospital.
Dr Sim said further facilities were also in the pipeline, including an IKEA outlet at Pines Square, an international school.
He also disclosed that development funding for Batu Kawa had increased substantially, from approximately RM300 million between 2016 and 2021 to about RM936 million for the 2022 to 2026 period.
He thanked Abang Johari for securing the financial resources needed to support the constituency’s development, saying the increased funding had enabled more projects to be implemented.
“I want to thank the Premier because he knows how to find money. Don’t just stand by and watch. As Sarawak becomes more prosperous, you can see more and more projects being implemented,” he said.
Dr Sim said consistent State government funding had also enabled various local activities and community programmes to receive continued financial support.
He added that Sarawak’s growing development and prosperity had attracted attention from across the country.
“Today, people throughout Malaysia are watching Sarawak, not just watching, but some are even envious,” he said. — DayakDaily
