ALL LIGHTED UP: Abang Johari points to the brightly-lit Tun Abdul Rahman Yaakub Bridge.
KUCHING: That stretch of Sarawak River from Medan Niaga Satok to Kpg Bintangor will be spruced up to transform Kuching into a vibrant and soulful city within five years.
According to Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, the works would include illuminating the river, providing services and infrastructure developments.
“This is in line to the state government’s vision to transform Kuching into a vibrant and soulful city,” Abang Johari said at the lighting of Tun Abdul Rahman Yaakub Bridge and Medan Niaga Satok pontoon jetty on Monday.
LET THERE BE LIGHT: Abang Johari (second right) launches the lighting up of Tun Abdul Rahman Yaakub Bridge and Medan Niaga Satok pontoon jetty, witnessed by Dr Abdul Rahman (right), Abdul Karim (second left) and Abang Wahap (third left). — Photo by Chimon Upon
He also said that an agreement had been made between the federal and state governments to form a special committee tasked of carrying out works to clean up Sarawak River including Sungai Gersik, Sungai Bedil, Sungai Kampung Kudei, Sungai Maong and Sungai Padungan.
“We want to make Sarawak River an interesting place to see and unwind for foreign and local tourists alike,” said Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Housing and Satok assemblyman.
He said that the work would include building another bridge linking Petra Jaya and the city to ease the worsening traffic jam due to the growing vehicle and people population, “although this is a very costly project.”
Starting this year, he added, two battery-operated boats would be used to carry tourists traversing Sarawak River as a start.
“By this (boat) we want to show visitors that we are aware of the need for a clean environment. Once everything is in place, the Sarawak River can be labeled as the ‘river of life’, making Kuching on a par with Paris and Shanghai,” he said.
The minister also called on city folk to maintain the peace and harmony prevailing among the different races in the city which had been forged over the years.
“Our unique culture and multiracial bond could act as added attraction,” he said.
Among those present at the function which also marked the closing of Satok Fest and New Year Countdown were Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Wahap Abang Julai, Assistant Minister of Housing Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and organising chairman of Satok Fest Shah Iszhan Isnin.