KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Pre-Launch Ceremony of Taman Tasik Desa Ilmu is an important starting point in the effort to make Kota Samarahan a satellite town that is conducive and cheerful to live in.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that this project is the result of strategic planning by the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) and implemented by the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS).
According to him, the rapid development of this area as an education hub with the presence of institutions such as the Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak (IPGKTAR), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) makes the need for recreational spaces very urgent for the well-being of the community.
"This area has high potential as a local community leisure location and although not yet fully completed, this park has already become a focus for residents to have fun," he explained on Tuesday.
The project, which cost RM6.8 million, has now reached 22.43 percent progress since it began in November 2024 and is expected to be fully completed in November 2025.
The park, which is being developed on an area of 9.38 hectares, will be equipped with various facilities such as car parks, public toilets, jogging paths and small bridges that will be the main attractions for visitors.
He added that the design of the park is based on the concept of a mining boat, an iconic symbol synonymous with Kota Samarahan and these elements are translated through the main structure of the park such as the roof and pillars that highlight the rowing movement, reflecting the culture of Sarawak miners.
“This design not only highlights the local identity, but also upholds the history and culture of the local community,” he said.
In addition, IRSDA is also planning the development of Boulevard Samarahan, an iconic post-first project that will be the main location for large-scale events, replacing Padang Sentral.
The 2-kilometre-long and more than 20-meter-wide boulevard is expected to be the largest in Sarawak, complete with various recreational facilities and has the potential to attract tourists and locals.
“We want a conducive lifestyle, not just a quiet residential area after work hours and these projects will brighten up Samarahan and strengthen family ties in the community,” he added.
The ceremony was also graced by the presence of Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament, Datuk Rubiah Wang, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, Batang Sadong Member of Parliament, Rodiyah Sapiee, Simunjan Assemblyman, Awla Dris, Samarahan Division Resident, Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, IRSDA Special Administrative Officer, Anuar Da’an, MPKS Chairman, Abang Ismawi Abang Ali and MPKS Municipal Secretary, Gustian Durani. - UKASnews
