By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 2: The highly anticipated TEGAS Lodge Sarawak project, envisioned as a catalyst for Sarawak’s digital economy ecosystem, is moving into a critical phase with the tender expected to be called in November this year.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the project is currently in its final design stage, with construction scheduled to begin once the tendering process is completed.
“At present, we are finalising the design and latest working drawings.
“By November, we will issue the tender for the development of TEGAS Lodge Sarawak, funded with a RM70 million allocation approved by the Sarawak government,” he told reporters after attending Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak’s (TEGAS) first-ever Media Appreciation Night in the city centre here last night (Oct 1).
He added that the project remains on track and is expected to be completed by 2028, marking a major milestone in Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its digital infrastructure and innovation landscape.
Len Talif, who is also TEGAS chairman, shared new details about the physical layout and features of the project, which will be built on a 20-acre site adjacent to the existing TEGAS Digital Village (TDV).
“The current Digital Village occupies 5 acres, leaving us with 15 acres for expansion.
“The lodge itself will take up around 5 acres, while the remaining 10 acres will be developed into a park,” he explained.
The proposed park will include recreational facilities such as jogging trails and open green spaces, and will also serve as an education and research resource focusing on Sarawak’s native flora.
“We plan to plant local and wild fruit species that are rare or disappearing, turning the site into a learning centre for students and researchers studying Sarawak’s forest biodiversity,” he said.
The recreational and botanical components, he added, are intended to complement the existing Sama Jaya Nature Reserve nearby and enhance the overall appeal of the development site.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol; Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, who is also a member of the TEGAS Board of Trustees; TEGAS chief executive officer Udin Bujang; and Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) president Ronnie Teo. — DayakDaily
