More parking underway for St Ann Catholic Church Kota Padawan as crowds outgrow space

From left: Cr Alvin Chong, Penghulu Lim Eng Huat, Dato Lo Khere Chiang, Judas Ligon, Rv Fr Don Don Ramerez, Lim Lian Kee, Kapitan Lim Eng Kok, and Gerald Goh pose for a group photo during the mock cheque presentation ceremony at St Ann Catholic Church Kota Padawan on May 4, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 4: With more than 2,000 worshippers attending each Sunday mass and numbers swelling to as high as 6,000 during major celebrations, parking at St Ann Catholic Church, 10th Mile, is struggling to keep up.

The overflow has become a familiar sight, with vehicles lining surrounding roads whenever major events such as Easter, Christmas and feast day celebrations take place.

Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang said efforts are underway to expand parking capacity within and around the church to ease congestion.

“Even on normal Sundays, parking is already full. During big celebrations, cars are parked all along the roadside,” he said during a visit to the church today.

To address the issue, Lo said RM200,000 in Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) funds had previously been secured for parking works outside the church area, while an additional RM100,000 has been allocated to complete parking spaces within the church compound.

So far, about 94 parking bays have been completed within the compound, with further expansion expected to be carried out in phases as demand continues to grow.

“For the car park outside the church, we need about RM500,000 more so I will probably divide it into two phases,” he stated.

Lo also expressed appreciation to Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) for funding the construction of church buildings and 14 Sunday school classrooms, noting that such support has helped the parish accommodate its expanding congregation.

He added that infrastructure such as parking remains a key need as the church continues to draw large numbers from across the Padawan area.

At the same time, St Ann Catholic Church priest Rev Fr Don Don Ramerez said the parish is preparing for its upcoming Gawai and Kaamatan celebrations, which are expected to draw large crowds.

Rev Fr Don Don Ramerez

He said the church will host a three-day celebration from May 15 to 17, featuring cultural performances, traditional food and participation from various groups including Bidayuh, Iban and Melanau.

“The main thanksgiving mass will be on May 16 at 8am, followed by celebrations at the church grounds, including cultural showcases at the longhouse,” he said.

Preparations underway at the longhouse within St Ann Catholic Church Kota Padawan ahead of its upcoming Gawai and Kaamatan celebrations, which are expected to draw large crowds.

Also present were Penghulu Lim Eng Huat, Kapitan Lim Eng Kok, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) councillors Lim Lian Kee, Gerald Goh and Alvin Chong, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Batu Kitang Women chief Doreen Chong and Parish Pastoral Council chairman Judas Ligon. — DayakDaily