(Photo: Attendees of the groundbreaking ceremony walk along the newly cleared stretch. Seen is the concrete barrier previously erected to block Lorong 10. Photo by Kentigern Minggu) KUCHING (July 6): A new agricultural road at Lorong 10, Kampung Sudat will be constructed, ending the access difficulties faced by 22 landowners in reaching their agricultural land since July 2024.   The problem arose after the owner of a neighbouring five-acre parcel of land, who operates a controlled goods warehouse, blocked the access road with barriers despite the route having been designated as a public access road since the village was first established. Speaking before the groundbreaking ceremony for the new road yesterday, Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang said he would apply for funding under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) to support the project. However, he said the application could only be submitted next year as this year’s allocations had already been committed to projects scheduled for implementation in 2027. “As it is already July, the RTP funding applications submitted this year are for projects to be carried out in 2027. “Therefore, I can only apply for funding for Lorong 10 next year, with the project expected to be implemented in 2028,” he said. During a site visit earlier, a stretch of about 200 metres of land adjacent to the blocked Lorong 10, previously covered with vegetation, had already been cleared to make way for the new access road. Lo said the clearing works were carried out through the collective efforts of the landowners and Kampung Sudat’s committee, an initiative he commended. Meanwhile, Padawan Municipal Council chairman Tan Kai, who was also present, said the council’s engineering department would conduct a survey and prepare a cost estimate for the project to determine whether funding could be applied for under the BP.1 (minor projects) allocation. Also present were Sarawak Veterinary Services Department director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, who facilitated the discussions, and Native Court magistrate Ignatius Melaka Nisau, who assisted in advising on legal matters. Both are members of the Kampung Sudat community.

(Photo: Aidel (fourth right), Tan (third left) and others during the visit to the Jalan Batu Kawa-Jalan Stephen Yong link road project site. – Photo by Kelly Chong) KUCHING (July 7): The proposed 5.64km dual-carriageway linking Jalan Batu Kawa-Matang at Moyan to Jalan Stephen Yong is progressing ahead of schedule and is expected to be completed by February 2029. State Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said the RM207.88 million project had reached 3.86 per cent completion, ahead of its scheduled 2.7 per cent progress. “The work has just started, but it is slightly ahead of schedule. “We are confident that, based on the contractor’s performance, the project can be completed within the scheduled period,” he told reporters after receiving a project briefing from the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) during a site visit here. Aidel said the project, implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan, would serve as a supplementary link to the proposed Kuching Inner Ring Road, which comprises five infrastructure packages. “This road is very important as a supplementary link to the proposed Kuching Inner Ring Road. Traffic from Batu Kawa, Matang and surrounding areas can be dispersed more effectively,” he said. He said the road would complement other planned links connecting Matang, Jalan Stephen Yong, Batu Kitang and the Kuching-Bau corridor.   “Once completed, the various projects are expected to create a more connected road network linking Kuching city, its surrounding areas and parts of Samarahan.” Although the project is scheduled for completion in February 2029, Aidel said the ministry would coordinate with the contractor to explore the possibility of completing it earlier. He said most of the alignment passes through greenfield areas, while the land acquisition process had already been completed.   “There is no issue with land acquisition, so it will be easier for the contractor to proceed with the work,” he said. The project also involves a bridge crossing over Sungai Sarawak Kiri and a smaller river crossing. Aidel described the construction as relatively straightforward and expressed confidence in the contractor, consultants and project team.   “I am optimistic that the contractor and the project team will be able to complete it within the scheduled timeframe, or possibly earlier,” he added. Also present during the visit were Padawan Municipal Council chairman Tan Kai, JKR Kuching Division superintending officer and divisional engineer Wang Say Kang, as well as senior officers from the ministry and JKR.  

(Photos: Dr Sim (front, left) discusses final details with MPP and GOF Batu Kawa officials) KUCHING (July 8): A new community recreational park will be developed at the General Operations Force (GOF) Batu Kawa along Jalan Field Force as part of ongoing efforts to expand public recreational facilities in the Batu Kawah constituency.   Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also Batu Kawah assemblyman, said the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) is finalising the necessary documentation and procedures for the project, which has a ceiling allocation of RM900,000. He said the project is expected to be called for public tender shortly. “This new park is in addition to the 10 neighbourhood parks currently under construction throughout Batu Kawa, reflecting the Sarawak government’s commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and providing residents with convenient access to quality recreational spaces,” he said in a statement. On the ongoing 10 neighbourhood park projects, he said these are implemented under the Sarawak government’s Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), involving a total allocation of RM3.82 million. He revealed construction began in April this year and is expected to be completed by February next year, with MPP serving as the implementing agency. “The projects involve the construction of new parks as well as upgrading and maintenance works, all of which are progressing according to schedule. “The residential areas involved are Taman Genesis, Taman Moyan, Taman Highfield, Taman Desa Wira, Jalan Carina Estate, Jalan Batu Kawa Lorong 3, Taman Phoenix Batu Kawa, Jalan RPR Batu Kawa, Taman San Chin and Taman Vision Land,” he said. On a related matter, Dr Sim said the Batu Kawa Riverbank Park has been well received by the local community since its completion, highlighting the importance of public parks and the strong demand for such facilities. “Although the riverbank park offers a wide range of recreational facilities for people of all ages, we should also develop community facilities that are just steps away from your home,” he said.   Meanwhile, Dr Sim said Phase Two of the rejuvenation of the abandoned Ang Cheng Ho Quarry in Batu Kawa is ready to be tendered by MPP. The project, with a ceiling allocation of RM8 million from the Sarawak government, will develop various park facilities surrounding the Phase One Ang Cheng Ho Multipurpose Hall. The overall 70-acre site will eventually feature a ‘Blue Park’ with more than 20 acres of water sports facilities and a ‘Green Park’ comprising over 40 acres of landscaped urban forest and recreational amenities.   “The Sarawak government’s commitment to investing in community infrastructure that enhances quality of life, encourages healthy living and supports the sustainable development of Batu Kawah as a vibrant and liveable constituency,” added Dr Sim.