RM127m Samarahan Boulevard Set To Spurt Growth

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Residents and local entrepreneurs hope the RM127 million Samarahan Boulevard will generate year-round economic opportunities while providing functional, accessible public spaces for the community.

Stakeholders emphasized that the integrated development should support micro-entrepreneurs beyond major festivals through dedicated trading spaces, ample parking, and consistent community programming to draw regular foot traffic.

Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) Samarahan chairman Junaidi Kaderi highlighted that the project holds immense potential to spur surrounding commercial activity by boosting visitor volume to the district.

“When major events are held, more visitors will head to Samarahan, opening steady income opportunities for small traders, hawkers, and local service providers,” Junaidi said.

Junaidi, who also operates a raw keropok lekor enterprise, urged planners to prioritize safe pedestrian walkways, family recreational zones, effective street lighting, clean public amenities, and versatile event spaces to keep the boulevard vibrant daily.

Echoing similar sentiments, Norismawati Panjang, owner of Kedai Runcit Aisy in Tanjung Bundong, appealed to authorities to allocate affordable rental kiosks for local vendors.

“Dedicated trading lots will allow small entrepreneurs to benefit directly from the influx of visitors,” she noted, adding that well-lit evening recreation areas and regular local events would encourage visitors to linger longer and boost local spending.

Meanwhile, resident Ahmad Farhan Mohd Salihudin stressed that the RM127 million investment must deliver sustainable, long-term public value and robust ongoing maintenance, rather than focusing purely on modern aesthetics.

“The boulevard should be a space residents can genuinely use for daily exercise, recreation, and family activities,” Farhan said. He called for universal accessibility features for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (OKU), alongside clean public toilets and proactive waste management.

Addressing current construction works, Farhan noted that while project execution has caused localized traffic congestion and access changes, early public notifications regarding diversions would help commuters plan ahead.

Ultimately, community members share a common vision: transforming Samarahan Boulevard into a thriving focal point that benefits local residents and small businesses throughout the entire year.