Infographic illustrating the layout and zones of the Samarahan Boulevard, including the Mixed, Active, and Passive areas, along its 1.4-kilometre length.

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By Amanda L

KUCHING, Sept 22: Kota Samarahan’s new RM127 million boulevard is expected to be fully completed within three years, offering a dedicated civic hub for major community events and public gatherings.

Speaking at a press conference after chairing the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Authority (IRSDA) Steering Committee Meeting today, its chairman Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah announced that Phase 1 (RM25 million) is currently being executed by the authority, while Phase 2 (RM70 million ceiling) will head to tender shortly.

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“We are modeling it somewhat after Putrajaya. Just as China has Tiananmen Square and Iran has Isfahan Square, we want this to be a defining landmark.

“Beyond giving Samarahan its own focal point, the new venue is designed to alleviate severe traffic congestion in Kuching during large public events,” he said.

Abdul Karim at a press conference after chairing the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Authority (IRSDA) Steering Committee Meeting held here on Sept 22, 2026.

Abdul Karim, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) and Asajaya assemblyman, said the boulevard is funded under IRSDA’s RM1.5 billion master development allocation for the division.

It was previously reported that Abdul Karim sought the Premier’s intervention to review and restore the boulevard’s original allocation after initial cost reduction measures resulted in the removal of several key recreational components proposed by project architects.

The Samarahan Boulevard was reported as a 1.44-kilometre landscaped public space stretching from the Masjid Al-Muttaqin area to the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) building, covering 23.3 hectares.

The project was designed with family-friendly leisure areas, active zones for health and wellness, nature-based spaces, as well as jogging and cycling trails. — DayakDaily