Abg Jo: Kuching to be more vibrant with comprehensive infrastructure transformation

Abang Johari (fourth right) lights up the DBKU building in Bukit Siol during the event. – Photo by Churchill Edward
KUCHING (April 22): Kuching will be more vibrant within the next few years with comprehensive infrastructure transformation and modern waste management system projects, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier said various development projects are being implemented and will be implemented through comprehensive planning, including the latest transport technology and restructuring the city's management system.
'We are upgrading the infrastructure as explained by the (Kuching North) Datuk Bandar (Datuk Hilmy Othman), including roads and modern public transport systems such as ART (Autonomous Rapid Transit). All of this requires careful planning and comprehensive implementation,' he said at the Kuching North City Commission's (DBKU) Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri 2025 last night.
'The mayors, elected representatives, and community are to work together to ensure that Kuching remains vibrant, modernised, and having a multicultural society with people living in peace and harmony.'
He cited several major projects currently underway, such as the development of an underpass near the Darul Hana mosque at Jalan Tun Salahuddin; the upgrading of the road to a dual carriageway from the roundabout near the Yayasan Sarawak Complex to the Damai resort area; and the construction of dedicated ART lanes to Damai, which has been approved and will begin this year.
In addition, he said a new bridge will be constructed across Sungai Santubong to connect the Damai, Buntal, and Bako areas, which is expected to open new housing areas and promote local economic growth.
'In (Demak Laut assemblyman) Datuk Hazland (Abang) Hipni's area, we are building a bridge in Sejingkat that will connect Kampung Beliong, in addition to upgrading the surrounding infrastructure,' he said, explaining that it would involve connecting Tanjong Embang, where the new international airport will be built.
In the context of solid waste management, he said the state government has decided to use modern incinerator technology, as part of the 'waste to energy' approach that will cover two main zones – the Southern Zone from Kuching to Betong and the Northern Zone from Sibu to Miri.
'This is a big investment, but it is important for the sustainability of our city. (Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment) Datuk Len Talif Salleh will lead the implementation of this project,' Abang Johari said.
In Satok, his former constituency, Abang Johari said the unique Bintangor Bridge will improve the landscape of Kampung Masjid and Jalan Haji Taha, while the development of the Kuching Waterfront extension from the Bintangor Bridge to Satok Bridge has the potential to become the longest waterfront in the country.
On plans to revive the Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHE) initiative, he said it will strengthen the preservation of historical areas and cultural heritage in Kuching.
He said the focus will be the restoration of Rumah Batu in the Kuching Division Mosque area.
'Recently, I was invited by the heirs of Rumah Batu (residence of Datu Bandar Abang Muhammad Kassim Datu Bandar Abang Bolhassan), who expressed their intention to hand over the building to a waqaf trust.
'If this becomes a reality, God willing, we will be able to further beautify the area around the Divisional Mosque,' he said.
He added the redevelopment of the area would also complement the development project in Padang Pasir, which will be the main location of the ART station in future.
Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri; Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; and Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission, and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi. abang johari ART DBKU lead Old Kuching Smart Heritage

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