KOTA SAMARAHAN: The first phase of the Samarahan Boulevard development is now almost complete, while the implementation of the second phase will begin in the near future.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the project, worth over RM100 million, will become an iconic landmark in Kota Samarahan and provide a suitable space for organising various large-scale events in Sarawak.

"The first phase of this project is almost complete and will now enter the second phase. We also feel lucky to have a suitable land area to develop this boulevard, which will become an iconic landmark in Kota Samarahan," he said.

He said this when met by the media after the Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival 2026 Closing Ceremony, here, on Monday.

Commenting further, Dato Sri Abdul Karim said the first phase of the project alone involved costs exceeding RM20 million.

He said, during the project cost evaluation process, some of the components proposed in the original plan had to be removed due to cost reductions.

In this regard, discussions were held with the architects and the ministry before requesting the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg to reconsider the cost of the project to ensure its implementation could be returned to the closest original proposal of the consultant.

"When costs were lowered too abruptly, many components had to be removed, including leisure facilities.

"That is why I requested that the cost of the project be reconsidered so that it is returned as close as possible to the original amount suggested by the consultant," he said.

He said the move was important to ensure that the facilities planned in the development of Samarahan Boulevard could be fully realised for the benefit of the community.

Earlier, during his speech, Dato Sri Abdul Karim said that the construction of the boulevard is a long-term plan of the government to provide an alternative location for the organisation of official events and large-scale celebrations in Sarawak.

According to him, since 1963, various major events including the Sarawak Governor’s birthday celebration, National Day, Malaysia Day and events involving parades have been held at Padang Merdeka, Kuching, which causes traffic jams in the city every time the programme takes place.

"I told the Sarawak Premier, one day when we are gone, I am gone, we will have left behind a legacy.

“When we intend to celebrate Sarawak Day, National Day and the Governor’s birthday in the next 30 to 40 years, every celebration can be held in the Samarahan division because it will have the biggest and longest boulevard,” he said. -UKASnews