By Shikin Louis
SAMARAHAN, Jan 17: Samarahan is set to welcome Sarawak’s longest and largest boulevard, a 1.4-kilometre stretch designed to become the State’s new signature social and recreational hub.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Samarahan Boulevard, covering 23.3 hectares (57.28 acres), will offer a mix of family-friendly leisure spots, active zones for health and wellness and nature-focused areas with jogging and cycling trails.
“Some may ask, ‘Why make it a green space? Wouldn’t it be better to build shops?’ The truth is, people cannot live solely on commercial activities. We need fresh oxygen.
“If we plant a lot of trees, we will breathe in fresh oxygen that is good for our health,” he said during the groundbreaking ceremony near Al-Mutaqqin Mosque here today.
Abang Johari also said more than 1,000 acres of land near the boulevard will be declared as a green area. Once declared, the land cannot be used for commercial or housing development unless approval is obtained from the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS), providing legal protection against future land use changes.
Divided into two main phases, the boulevard includes a Mixed Zone for casual family activities and an Active Zone focused on health and sports. A Passive Zone will highlight environmental appreciation, sensory parks and slow-paced recreation for people of all ages.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, and Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, noted that for decades, major state events such as celebrations for the Sarawak Governor’s Birthday and large parades have been held at Padang Merdeka, often causing severe traffic disruptions due to growing participation.
“This Samarahan Boulevard will serve as a new iconic landmark and meeting point for large-scale events.
“Who knows? In 20, 30 or even 50 years, events that usually took place at Padang Merdeka could make this boulevard their new home venue,” he said.
Abdul Karim, who is also the Asajaya assemblyman and Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) chairman, added that the agency has implemented 637 projects throughout Samarahan Division, of which 508 have been completed.
– DayakDaily
