KUCHING: Kota Samarahan has the potential to be upgraded to city status within the next five to 10 years in line with the rapid growth of the population which is now approaching 200,000 people.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that the development reflects the transformation of Kota Samarahan as among the main growth centres in Sarawak, thus requiring more comprehensive administrative and development planning.

According to him, the population of the area has almost tripled compared to about 70,000 people when Samarahan was still administered as a district council.

"In the next five to 10 years, Samarahan's population is expected to continue to increase so its administration may no longer be suitable to be managed as a municipal council, instead requiring a larger administrative structure such as Kota Samarahan City Hall," he said.

He said this through a text of speech read by the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) 10th Anniversary Dinner on Wednesday.

In the meantime, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari stressed the importance of ensuring that development is carried out in a balanced manner in the four main zones of MPKS’ administration, namely Muara Tuang, Stakan, Asajaya and Sadong Jaya.

According to him, development should not only be concentrated in the city centre, but should be extended to the suburbs and rural areas to ensure the progress experienced could fully benefit the community.

In this regard, each zone needs to be given attention based on their respective potential and needs, particularly in the aspects of housing development, road networks, drainage systems, public facilities, agriculture and rural economic opportunities.

He also urged MPKS to begin early planning to handle population growth and economic development which is expected to accelerate in the next decade.

This measure is vital to ensure Kota Samarahan continues to develop as a planned, balanced and sustainable urban area, in line with the needs of the population and Sarawak's development aspirations. -UKASnews