SERIAN: Projects worth over RM700 million focusing on transforming Serian into a conference and ‘distressing’ centre will be implemented soon.
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the proposed projects in Serian would include a state administrative complex and conference centre worth RM200 million, new township with gross development value worth RM500 million, new Tebedu District Office worth RM5 million, upgrading of Ranchan Pool worth RM2.5 million and upgrading of Serian Lake Garden and construction of an iconic bridge across the lake.
He said the estimated cost for the upgrading of Serian Lake Garden and construction of an iconic bridge across the lake would, however, be decided later.
“These are what we are planning to do in Serian for now,” he told a press conference after launching Pesta Birumuh here yesterday.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari said he was bringing many projects to Serian because he wanted to fulfill the aspiration of the Bidayuhs.
“The late Tok Nan (previous chief minister) has started it, so I will follow it up to make sure we transform Serian with sits along the Pan Borneo Highway and eventually the rural community.When Tok Nan announced the elevation of Serian into a division, it was done in recognition of the contribution of the Bidayuh community,” he said.
Abang Johari said he would continue the efforts of the past chief minister and fulfill what had been promised by him (Tok Nan).
He said if Tok Nan declared Serian as a new division, he (Abg Johari) himself would declare that he would fulfill the Bidayuh aspiration in Serian.
“Today is not April Fool. Today is the day I fulfill the aspiration of the Bidayuh community in Serian. This April is very meaningful to the Bidayuh community because I have brought RM200 million to build an administrative Complex and conference centre,” he said.
The chief minister said the government would also develop recreational facilities in Serian because the town is very near to Kuching and therefore wanted to turn it into a tourism area.
He said Serian Lake and its facilities would have to be improved and upgraded.
“We will build an iconic bridge like the one in Putrajaya. When the bridge is decorated with colourful bulbs, you can imagine the image over the water…very romantic,” he said to the laughter of the crowd.
He said if there were such facilities available, people would come to Serian to relax and distress themselves.
“So, Serian will be known as a distressing centre. With the availability of green mountains and hills, and the cascading building, Serian can even be better than Hong Kong.
“This is what we are planning for Serian. And I’m confident that in three years’ time, tourist arrivals in Serian will increase, local business will increase, restaurants and small-time farmers will also benefit,” he said.
The chief minister also said he had requested for a plan to connect Serian, Kuching and Samarahan divisions through efficient public transport, that is Light Rail Transit (LRT).
“Again, this is not an April Fool talk. I have asked the consultant to plan the LRT route that goes through the three divisions because we want to move towards the digital economy.
“The LRT will also have access to Bau and Lundu,” he added.
He said although the implementation of LRT would be very costly, he believed the investment could be recovered in the long run.