Premier: Batu Kawa’s water management to emulate that of Singapore’s Ang Mo Kio Park

KUCHING (Oct 28): Singapore’s Ang Mo Kio Park serves as a model for the development of Batu Kawa through the adoption of the former’s water management practices, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg

The Sarawak Premier said with the concept of a dry area, this allows for water collection in zones that have been cleared.

“Singapore used to experience frequent flooding, much like Batu Kawa, but they have solved this issue,” he said when officiating at the opening of the Ang Cheng Ho multipurpose hall in Batu Kawa here today.

Elaborating, he said such areas could serve as recreational sites during the dry season, and become water-catchment ponds during the rainy season.

“This is Singapore’s approach,” he added.

Abang Johari said with the ongoing redevelopment of the old Ang Cheng Ho quarry, the state government would also be adopting Bandar Sunway in Selangor as another model, adding that the former tin mining area had been transformed into a vibrant city centre.

“We need to prepare in terms of infrastructure that can effectively manage water. We believe this area (Batu Kawa) can be developed much like Selangor had developed Sunway, which was once a mining site and now, it has become a thriving city.”

Also present at the event was Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is Batu Kawah assemblyman.

Abang Johari also said Batu Kawa is poised to become a satellite township through its redevelopment projects.

He said its strategic location between Kuching City and Bau has established it as a focal area.

“Batu Kawa will certainly transform, not only in appearance but as a fully developed satellite town. However, to do this, the folks here must stand united irrespective of our backgrounds.

“Politically we are stable, that’s why we can develop (Batu Kawa). Because we are very stable, don’t rock this stability – maintain it, so that we can continue our efforts not just developing Batu Kawa but also our state,” he said.

He said in view of the redevelopment of the old Ang Cheng Ho quarry area, he had asked Dr Sim to retain the greenery surrounding the lake in the quarry.