Sarawak govt plans 70-acre KLCC Park-style sanctuary in Batu Kawa by 2030

KUCHING (Feb 22): The Sarawak government has set its sights on building a lush 70-acre urban sanctuary, similar to KLCC Park in Kuala Lumpur, under the multi-phase Ang Cheng Ho (ACH) Quarry redevelopment project as part of its plan to transform Batu Kawa by 2030.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the proposed park, set to be among the largest in Kuching, will form part of a comprehensive master plan for the area.

The development will incorporate more than 40 acres of land across the road together with the over 20-acre quarry lake, creating a combined park area of about 70 acres.

Dr Sim noted that he had met with private landowners surrounding the quarry to coordinate a comprehensive master town planning initiative to transform the area into a tourist resort destination complete with a shopping centre, hotel and other supporting facilities.

“So eventually, this will be like the area behind KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) — a very nice garden setting, with a shopping centre fronting landscaped gardens and a park,” he said.

Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawah assemblyman, said this when met by reporters during a Chinese New Year open house at the Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multipurpose Hall here on Saturday.

The multipurpose hall, managed by the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), can accommodate between 800 and 1,000 people in an air-conditioned setting. It is part of Phase 1 of the redevelopment, which has been completed and is now open for community use.

On the project’s progress, Dr Sim said the redevelopment is currently in Phase 2, with an allocation of RM8 million this year.

This phase will include walking trails, rock-climbing and extreme sports facilities, as well as water sports activities around the quarry lake.

“So, Phase 2 of the Ang Cheng Ho Quarry has started this year. We are looking to complete it within the year. It involves an allocation of RM8 million.

“At the moment, the area is still quite dark. Under Phase 2, we will install proper lighting and introduce various sporting and recreational activities to activate the place,” he said.