By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 27: A smart township plan for Sampadi will take shape over the next five years, with modern facilities and information technology incorporated into the area’s future development.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak government would first undertake “organic planning” to identify suitable areas for development and resettlement in Sampadi.
“I support Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan’s request for development in Sampadi. In the next five years, we will first carry out organic planning so that it can become an attraction as well as a resettlement area with modern facilities.
“It can become a smart town with modern facilities, including IT,” he said in his speech at the postponement ceremony for Batang Kayan Regatta in Lundu today, which was broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Youtube.
Abang Johari said Sampadi’s proximity to Trombol, where a new i-CATS University College campus is being developed, would also support the area’s future development.
He said university development could transform surrounding areas, citing Universiti Utara Malaysia in Kedah and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Bangi as examples.
“If we develop Trombol, where we have our university campus that will be the core for aerospace and other modern fields, it will become a core for developing the surrounding areas, including Sampadi,” he said.
He added that the completion of the Batang Rambungan Bridge would further strengthen Sampadi’s connectivity and contribute to development in the area.
“Once there is a bridge, Sampadi will no longer be far away. It will have a high impact on our development,” he said.
Azizul, speaking to reporters after the event, said Sampadi was currently predominantly an agricultural area, with many oil palm farmers, plantations and private farms.
He said the Rambungan Bridge would improve mobility between Sampadi and Kuching, with the Pan Borneo Highway providing one route and the Rambungan-Sampadi Road offering another towards Matang, Damai and other settlements.
“My proposal, or request, to the Premier is that we anticipate the bridge’s completion so that the necessary infrastructure is already in place.
“As the Premier has said, the planning will be smart and IT-based, using technology and other tools to determine what type of development would be suitable for the area,” Azizul stated.
Among his proposals were a marina or boat storage area for fishing enthusiasts, a community area and a hawker centre that could serve as an economic hub.
“Previously, if we look at Samarahan, there was a hawker centre near the Samarahan ferry crossing. But after the Batang Samarahan Bridge was completed, a hawker centre was also provided there.
“So, I would like to see something similar in the Rambungan area, which could also help the surrounding kampung communities create opportunities to generate income,” he added.
The Batang Rambungan Bridge is targeted for completion by the fourth quarter of 2027. — DayakDaily
