KUCHING – In 2026, a new location for the well-liked Kuching Car Free Morning (KCFM) program will be opened at the Masja compound in Petra Jaya. The program will alternate between Petra Jaya and central Kuching starting on April 12, giving locals more chances to enjoy streets free of traffic.
The monthly schedule will now see activities held at Padang Merdeka, Kuching Waterfront, Pangkalan Sapi and Dataran Pertiwi during the first and third weeks, while the second week will be hosted at Masja in Petra Jaya. The programme continues to encourage healthy lifestyles, with families, joggers, cyclists and walkers gathering to enjoy fresh air without vehicle emissions.
The expansion was announced alongside the launch of the 2026 Event Calendar by the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU). The calendar was officiated by Yang Berhormat Datuk Dr Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Junaidi, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, who also serves as Project Coordinator for DBKU and Islamic Affairs.
A total of 36 events are planned throughout the year, ranging from cultural festivals to sporting competitions. Among the regular highlights are the monthly Motherland Flag Raising Ceremony and the Ramadan Bazaar, which will be held at Satok, Sukma Ria and Semarak.
Major milestone events include the Kuching International X Games in February, the Kuching Music Festival in May, and the Kuching Lights and Floral Festival in June. July will see the Siol International Mountain Bike Challenge, which continues to hold Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Class 1 recognition and is part of the Asian MTB Continental Series.
Several new events have been added to diversify the calendar. These include the Kuching International Arts and Crafts Fair, the Unity Fiesta, and the Santubong International Trail Run. The Kuching International Cyclefest, which combines Time Trial, Criterium, and Road Race competitions in a “3 in 1” format, will also take place in September.
In October, the Sarawak Urban Forum 2.0 will take place again, giving policymakers, urban planners, and business professionals a forum to talk about smart city projects and sustainable development. World Cleanup Day and the Kuching International Cat Festival will continue to draw large crowds in the interim.
Reading Month in May will feature debates, reading campaigns and community engagement activities, while July’s Cleanliness Month will focus on recycling, upcycling and digital awareness programmes. August will bring the Kuching Festival, marking the city’s 38th anniversary with sporting events, cultural showcases and the new Unity Fiesta.
Other activities include the DBKU Nursery Open Day, Senior Citizens Day, World Children’s Day, and World Disabled Day. The year-long programme reflects DBKU’s commitment to promoting community spirit, cultural diversity and active living in Kuching.
Strong public participation is anticipated as a result of the expanded Car Free Morning and the extensive events calendar, enhancing Kuching’s standing as a dynamic, vibrant and welcoming city.
