RM28-million Siniawan Multilevel Car Park and Rooftop Arena awaits approval

KUCHING: The proposed RM28-million Siniawan Multilevel Car Park and Rooftop Arena is now awaiting final approval from the State Planning Authority (SPA), with construction targeted to begin once the green light is given.

Serembu assemblyman, Datuk Miro Simuh, said the design for the landmark project has been completed, and the next step being to secure formal approval from the relevant authorities before implementation can commence.

“We target to start with its implementation soon upon its approval. The design has been completed.

“Now, we are waiting for the final confirmation and green light from the relevant authority for the project to take off,” he told Sarawak Tribune.

Backed by the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), the project is envisioned as a major tourism and economic catalyst for the historic town of Siniawan, which has grown into one of Sarawak’s popular heritage and weekend destinations.

The four-level facility will be built directly opposite the historic Siniawan Swee Guk Kung Temple and is designed to accommodate about 400 parking bays, addressing long-standing traffic congestion during peak tourist periods and major festivals.

Its defining feature is a rooftop multi-purpose arena capable of hosting between 3,000 and 5,000 spectators for large-scale open-air events.

Miro said the venue is specifically intended for ticketed, high-performance live concerts featuring renowned artistes from Malaysia and abroad, positioning Siniawan as a regional entertainment destination.

“By having a facility of this kind, we can even organise high-performance live concerts every month. The rooftop arena that we are to have can accommodate 5,000 people,” he added.

He reiterated that visitors attending concerts would benefit from ample on-site parking, eliminating one of the biggest challenges currently faced during crowded events in the town.

The proposed arena is expected to complement Siniawan’s heritage appeal by introducing a new tourism product that combines cultural preservation with modern entertainment infrastructure.

Once completed, the development is anticipated to strengthen the local economy by attracting more visitors, extending tourist stays and creating new business opportunities for traders, eateries and tourism operators in the Greater Kuching area.