The banks of the River Limb drive tourism, local economy

LIMBANG, 4 Oct: The 1.8 kilometre stretch of the River Limbang becomes a new landmark in the town of Limbang, thus becoming a strategic catalyst for tourism and socio-economic sector development in northern Sarawak.

At a cost of around RM150 million through the Sarawak Government allocation, the project is now the longest stretch of river in Sarawak and is expected to have a major impact on the development of Limbang Town.

The iconic infrastructure not only transforms the city's physical landscape, but also has the potential to be a new hub for large-scale community, cultural, tourism and event hosting.

Chairman of the MDL Council, Sufian Mohat said that the reception of the community to the facility was very encouraging, with the area now being a focal point for residents and visitors to relax.

He said the project, which started in January 2025 and will be fully completed by May 2026, also opens up new potential for the tourism sector as well as the local economy.

"I feel very grateful because if we look at the whole thing, the Balance River Gorge is also one of the most beautiful places in Sarawak.

"It was very well received by the public and became a top choice for outdoor visitors coming to relax because of its beautiful and clean scenery.

"We expect visitors and the public especially Limbans to work together with MDL to maintain good hygiene and public facilities", he told media here, today.

The Sungai Limbang Riverwall project also completes the development of cross-sectional facilities such as pedestrian and jogging paths, recreation areas, jets and community spaces.

For the Balanced community, the project is seen as important in driving more sustainable development, as well as enhancing the economic, social and tourism sectors of northern Sarawak.

Leobard Liew Tze Chyi said that various programs can now be implemented in the area, thus making it a centre of attractive activities.

"This facility is ready and many events can be held, besides recreation. So, people have to take care of this infrastructure properly by not throwing away the garbage", he said.

Meanwhile, Asin Sibah said the facility also benefits visitors from abroad including Brunei, as well as potentially boosting the local economy.

He said the facility opened up business space and became a new pride for Balance.

Nooratijah Bakar said the project could further boost the local community's economic and business sectors.

"As a Balance people, we are very proud of this beautiful and beautiful stretch of river as well as being able to welcome local visitors, Brunei, Sabah and surrounding areas", he explained.

The Bilan Riverfront project has been planned and implemented in phases since 2017 under the Sarawak Government allocation through MDL.

The implementation is divided into several phases including initial phase projects involving Phase One, Two and Three, while the announcement of early allocation as well as initial components of the tourism initiative was made around October 2019.

The project was subsequently taken over by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) following some technical issues and land-related challenges.

The Riverwall River Balance Project was implemented in January 2025 and successfully completed in May 2026.

Among the main components of the project are comfortable and safe walking and jogging routes, recreational spaces and fields for leisure activities, family games, community programs, cultural performances and public events.

It also provides commercial space and food stalls, special areas for catering tastes, jets as well as riverfront facilities to support water recreation activities, boat stops and potential development of Sungai Limbang-based tourism products.

Other components include pedestrian bridges, landscape and pedestrian facilities, street lights, public toilets, parking lots, signs, trash cans as well as safety systems to ensure the area is safe, clean and user-friendly.

Cultural and community spaces are continuously provided to support various community activities.