KAPIT – Plans are underway to reshape Kapit into a modern eco-town designed to be both environmentally sustainable and family-friendly.
The initiative, announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, aims to position the division as a model of balanced urban growth.
Speaking after the Sarawakku Sayang 2026 programme in Kapit, the Premier explained that the development blueprint will be carefully structured to ensure long-term benefits.
He emphasised that the transformation will not only involve new infrastructure but also focus on landscaping, recreational facilities, and improved public amenities.
“We are sending a group of officials from Kapit to Bergen, Norway to see for ourselves the urban development model there. I dream of Kapit becoming a unique, eco-friendly and family city,” he said.
The Premier noted that the government is preparing a special local plan to guide the project. This framework will ensure that the city’s growth is implemented in stages, aligning with future needs and sustainable practices.
The plan is expected to incorporate lessons from international examples while adapting them to Sarawak’s local context.
Kapit’s development prospects have already shifted significantly with the opening of road access to the division.
Previously reliant on river transport, the area now benefits from improved connectivity, which has created new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic expansion.
The Premier highlighted that this change in accessibility has altered the region’s development landscape, making it more attractive to investors and businesses.
The eco-town concept is part of Sarawak’s broader strategy to encourage sustainable urbanisation while maintaining community well-being.
By integrating green spaces, modern design, and family-oriented facilities, the government hopes to create a city that reflects both progress and quality of life.
Officials have indicated that the project will also support Sarawak’s wider economic agenda, which includes renewable energy initiatives and regional development programmes.
Kapit, already recognised for its role in hydroelectric power generation, is expected to complement these efforts by becoming a hub for sustainable living.
The Premier’s announcement underscores the state’s commitment to balancing modernisation with environmental responsibility.
With detailed planning and international collaboration, Kapit is set to emerge as a distinctive eco-town that could serve as a model for other regions in Sarawak.
