Bintawa roundabout transformed into heritage landmark with ‘kotak’ boat tribute

Wee (left) speaks during the launch of Bintawa Roundabout Beautification Project on April 30, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 30: The Bintawa roundabout is being reimagined as a heritage landmark, with the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) placing renewed focus on its historical roots as a former fishing village through a beautification project anchored by a replica of a ‘kotak’ boat.

Launching the initiative today, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the roundabout’s centrepiece — the newly-repainted kotak boat — reflects Bintawa’s early beginnings, long before the area developed into part of modern Kuching.

“Before the roads, before the houses, before the development, Bintawa began as a fishing village. Life here was centred around the river, and the kotak boat was part of everyday life,” he said.

He explained that the boat once served as an essential means of transport for fishermen, carrying them to work and safely home, while also sustaining families by transporting food and goods.

“Simple, strong and dependable, just like the people of Bintawa, this boat tells the story of the early community that built this place,” he added.

The newly-repainted ‘kotak’ boat at Bintawa Roundabout. Photo taken on April 30, 2026.

The beautification project is divided into three phases, with the first phase already completed, involving the restoration and repainting of the kotak boat, estimated to cost between RM40,000 and RM50,000.

The second phase, currently underway, focuses on enhancing accessibility and the overall layout of the site, including the addition of pedestrian pathways and ‘I Love Bintawa’ sign to allow visitors to enter the roundabout area and take photographs.

The final phase will involve the installation of lighting infrastructure, including extending electricity supply to the site to illuminate the landmark at night.

While the first phase has been completed, Wee said MBKS is still looking for sponsors to support the remaining works, as the project is largely driven by community contributions, including sponsorship of the boat, paint and repainting works.

He said the overall cost is expected to remain below RM100,000 with the full beautification project targeted for completion within this year.

Artist’s impression on the Bintawa Roundabout beautification project.

To support visitors, MBKS is also exploring parking arrangements nearby, including temporary spaces, to improve accessibility to the site once it is fully upgraded.

At the same time, Wee thanked Wan Li Wan Welding Works, Trans Paint Coatings Sdn Bhd, and 砂捞越古晋民达华团体总会 for their role in restoring the kotak boat.

Also present was MBKS deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili. — DayakDaily