1,000 acres near upcoming Samarahan Boulevard to be declared as green area

Abang Johari speaks during the Samarahan Boulevard groundbreaking ceremony held in Samarahan on Jan 17, 2026. Photo credit: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS)

By Shikin Louis

KOTA SAMARAHAN, Jan 17: More than 1,000 acres of land near the upcoming Samarahan Boulevard will be declared as a green area, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He likened the planned green area within the Greater Kuching–Samarahan region to major public parks in global cities, citing London’s Hyde Park and Paris’ Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower as examples of how large green spaces are protected from commercial development to safeguard public wellbeing.

“Together with Sarawak Land and Survey Department, we have identified over 1,000 acres of green area near the upcoming Samarahan Boulevard.

“This means we will have a green area planted with trees, jogging tracks and other recreational features, all designed around a green concept,” he said when speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Samarahan Boulevard near Al-Muttaqin Mosque here today.

He further said once declared, the land cannot be used for commercial or housing development unless approval is obtained from the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS), providing legal protection against future land-use changes.

“Under our current laws, land that has been declared for public use cannot be converted or have its status changed unless it is brought to the DUS. That is where the protection is,” he added.

Abang Johari also said the Samarahan Boulevard project is only the beginning of a larger vision, with the green area set to become part of Samarahan Park, a long-term public space for future generations.

“If London has Hyde Park, we will have Samarahan Park. This is something we are developing for the future and it will become an attraction for the entire area,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily