By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 27: Sematan will soon be home to Sarawak’s first stand-alone matriculation college—a major federal project valued at RM700 million that is expected to bring in over 2,000 people and boost the local economy.
Tanjung Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan announced the project during the closing ceremony of the Sematan Festival 2025 today, highlighting its long-term benefits to the community and its significance in continuing the legacy of his late father, former Sarawak Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
“Here in Sematan, we will have a new matriculation centre for Sarawak. They’ve already met with me, and the District Officer (Awang Yusuf Awang Mostapha) has given a presentation. I believe it’s currently still at the consultant stage.
“The proposed site is near the Civil Defence Force (JPAM) base across the road—locals here would know the area. The total land area is approximately 30 to 40 acres,” he said.
He emphasised that the project is not for his or the District Officer’s benefit, but for the people of Sematan.
“With an influx of over 2,000 students, teachers, and administrative staff, the local economy will certainly grow.
“So I urge all of you to seize this opportunity by improving and promoting your products and services to prepare for their arrival,” he added.
During a doorstep interview after the event, Azizul shared that earlier this year, the Ministry of Education’s Matriculation Division had briefed him that the planning and RM700 million budget had been approved.
He added that site inspections, land replacement, and joint meetings with the Land and Survey Department have already been carried out.
The tender for the project is expected to be called by the end of this year or early 2026, with construction estimated to take 24 months.
“Right now, the matriculation programme in Sarawak is housed within part of the vocational college in Bako.
“There has long been a desire for a dedicated, stand-alone campus. Alhamdulillah, the plan has been approved and is now at the stage of finalising the design,” Azizul said.
Azizul also outlined three key federal development projects being pursued in the area: the new Lundu Hospital to replace the current 80-year-old facility, a RELA training centre, and the matriculation college.
“The land for the new hospital has already been allocated next to the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) campus in Lundu.
“Now we are counting on federal support to realise these vital projects for the people of Lundu and Sematan,” he added.
He also voiced hope for a new police station in Lundu, to replace the outdated facility that has been in use since the 1980s.
Audio recordings of Azizul’s speech and doorstep interview were shared with DayakDaily after the event. — DayakDaily
