RM1.5 mln Festival Square to transform Lebuh Java into Kuching celebration hub

58 minutes ago 3

ADVERTISE HERE

By Christine T

KUCHING, Oct 8: Lebuh Java will be transformed into a RM1.5 million Festival Square, a 1,230-square-metre public space designed to serve as a dedicated venue for major celebrations in Kuching.

Construction is expected to take eight months and will be undertaken by the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), with PETRONAS Sarawak as its strategic partner.

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the Festival Square was one of four legacy projects being implemented in conjunction with the Sarawak Urban Forum (SUF) 2.0, with work expected to begin soon.

“The most important thing is that this place will be developed to enhance the beauty and vibrancy of the Kuching Waterfront area, so that it becomes a place visited by many people,” he said at a press conference at Lebuh Java here today.

Abdul Rahman said the square would provide a dedicated venue for Kuching residents and the wider community to celebrate major festivals, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai, Christmas and Chinese New Year.

The development will incorporate spaces catering to different generations, traditional games, seating areas and inclusive public facilities, alongside smart and sustainable features such as a smart toilet, greywater recycling system, smart surveillance, solar power and kinetic energy.

The square could also be decorated according to different celebrations, allowing the space to take on a distinct character during major festivals.

A cat replica, or “cat station”, is also planned as a landmark to reinforce Kuching’s identity and provide visitors with a recognisable feature within the area.

DBKU Mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman, who was also present, said Festival Square was intended to complement the existing Kuching Waterfront while ensuring urban development remained centred on the needs, comfort and wellbeing of city residents.

The three other SUF 2.0 legacy projects are the Millennium Park Connector, the 3RKU digital recycling system, and the Bamboo Park and Gallery.

The Millennium Park Connector will establish an approximately 17-kilometre network linking major parks, civic spaces, cultural landmarks and attractions across Kuching.

It will support walking, jogging, cycling and other recreational activities, with the network incorporating pathways, lighting, signboards, street furniture and safety systems to encourage sustainable urban mobility and active lifestyles.

Meanwhile, the 3RKU project will introduce a digital recycling system using an application and QR codes.

“The system will allow users to register, submit recyclable materials at collection stations, receive digital receipts and track their transaction history and payment status.

“DBKU will also be able to monitor recycling activities, manage material prices and generate operational and sustainability reports through the system.

The Bamboo Park and Gallery near Kuching Civic Centre will be developed by DBKU in collaboration with the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

The facility will serve as a conservation, education, research and recreation centre showcasing various bamboo species, while promoting awareness of biodiversity conservation, bio-based innovation and climate change.

Abdul Rahman said the four projects would be implemented from the end of this year, with some expected to continue into 2027 and 2028.

SUF 2.0 will be held from Oct 24 to 27 under the theme “Future-Ready Cities: Building a Resilient Future – Collaborate, Adapt, Thrive”.

The first SUF legacy project, introduced in 2024, was the e-Penambang initiative, which involved retrofitting Sarawak River passenger boats with electric engines under the concept “Heritage Meets Technology”. — DayakDaily

Read Entire Article