Darul Hana Musical Fountain city’s latest tourist draw

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Colourful lights from the newly-launched Darul Hana Musical Fountain illuminate Sungai Sarawak. — Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: The city has its latest tourist attraction following the launching of the Darul Hana Musical Fountain last night.

Set against the new State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex and facing the Kuching Waterfront, the city’s newest fixture was launched in conjunction with the 82nd birthday celebration of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the idea of constructing the musical fountain came to him after he attended a Chap Goh Mei celebration at the waterfront in March this year.

Taib, flanked by Raghad (fifth right) and Abang Johari, waves to the crowd after the cake-cutting ceremony before launching the Darul Hana Musical Fountain.

“I was thinking if the musical fountain is built in front of the State Legislative Assembly complex, the ambience will be merrier. I was having that thought because ever since the Darul Hana Bridge was opened (on Nov 11, 2017), it has attracted many people daily, especially at night, and is well-patronised by locals and tourists,” he said during the launching at Square Tower by the Head of State.

Construction of Darul Hana Musical Fountain, a project by Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), started in April this year.

Combining the elements of music, water and lights to create an amazing sight at night, the beautifully decorated fountain features a nine-foot wall measuring 80 metres in length. Operated using modern technology, it has hundreds of nozzles that shoot water 25 metres upwards.

The Darul Hana Musical Fountain dazzles during the show, with the DUN Complex in the background.

According to Abang Johari, the Darul Hana Musical Fountain can “move and dance to the music” while paired with colorful lightings and sound effects, adding he is confident it will attract tourists both domestically and internationally.

He also spoke on other development plans for the city which included the upgrading of Brooke Dockyard, the state’s national parks, Kuching International Airport, Fort Margherita as well as construction of the floating mosque.

“We can make Kuching city become a city with a soul, that is both colourful and beautiful,” he added.

The Darul Hana Musical Fountain runs daily at 8.30pm and 10pm, for a period of 15 minutes each.

Among the dignitaries who attended the launching were Taib’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, Abang Johari’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and wife Datin Amar Fatimah Mohamad Iskandar, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, and Datuk Bandar of DBKU Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai.