KUCHING: The Walk for Health programme held at the Sarawak Botanical Garden on Sunday became a key platform to highlight Kuching’s move towards a low-carbon and smart city, while encouraging the public to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle in a green environment.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg led the activity, joining civil servants, state leaders, and members of the public in a 2.5-kilometre brisk walk around the garden. The event was not only aimed at promoting physical well-being but also served as a site visit to review ongoing development and maintenance efforts at the botanical garden.
Speaking to reporters after the walk, the Premier said the activity reflected the government’s intention to integrate health, environmental awareness, and sustainable urban planning. He explained that the Sarawak Botanical Garden is being developed as a low-carbon zone that supports Kuching’s broader smart city goals.
According to him, the walk allowed participants to experience firsthand the natural surroundings that will form the core of the low-carbon initiative. The garden is being enhanced with a variety of local plant species to strengthen biodiversity while maintaining a natural landscape suitable for recreation and education.
The Premier added that a key component linked to the activity is the planned heritage route connecting the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Cat Museum to Reservoir Park. This route will provide a continuous green corridor for walking, leisure, and heritage appreciation, making it easier for residents and visitors to move through the area without relying on vehicles.
He noted that the Walk for Health programme also functioned as an inspection opportunity to assess cleanliness, safety, and overall maintenance standards at the site. Feedback gathered during the walk will help improve long-term management and ensure the garden remains a comfortable and welcoming space for public activities.
To support the sustainability of such programmes, statutory bodies including the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre and the Forest Department Sarawak will take responsibility for managing and maintaining the garden. Their involvement will ensure that future health and community activities can continue in a well-preserved environment.
Earlier, participants received a briefing from DBKU Director Sr Ramzi Abdullah on the upcoming heritage trail connection, which is expected to further encourage walking and outdoor activities among city residents.
Also taking part in the walk were the Premier’s daughter Dayang Norjihan, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, as well as deputy ministers and senior officials.
The Walk for Health programme demonstrated how simple community activities can support public health while reinforcing Kuching’s commitment to low-carbon development and sustainable urban living.
