KAPIT – The Sarawak Government has unveiled a series of landmark initiatives in Kapit aimed at accelerating socio-economic growth and strengthening regional development.
On 6 November 2025, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg officiated at three major projects: the opening of the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) headquarters, the launch of the Kapit Master Plan, and the groundbreaking of a new hotel.
The newly completed URDA office, built at a cost of RM5.7 million, is expected to serve as a central hub for planning and implementing development projects in the Upper Rajang region.
The Premier emphasised that the facility will enable officers to deliver services more efficiently, strengthen engagement with local communities, and coordinate integrated planning.
The office also reinforces the mission of the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), which oversees URDA alongside the Highland Development Agency (HDA) and the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA).
Alongside the office launch, the Premier witnessed the symbolic unveiling of the Kapit Master Plan, a comprehensive blueprint designed to guide the town’s long-term growth.
Developed by RECODA, the plan covers housing, public facilities, road and bridge networks, commercial zones, green infrastructure, and flood mitigation systems.
It places strong emphasis on balancing economic expansion with environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.
To ensure the plan aligns with international standards, a delegation led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan visited Oslo and Bergen earlier this year to study sustainable urban planning models.
Following this, Dr Hans-Jacob Roald from the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences conducted a technical visit to Kapit in October 2025, offering expert guidance on spatial planning and sustainable development practices.
The Premier also officiated at the groundbreaking of a new 10-storey hotel near the iconic Kapit Lily Pond.
The project, spearheaded by the Borneo Development Corporation (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, will feature over 100 guest rooms, a coffee house, meeting facilities, and design elements inspired by local Dayak heritage.
The hotel is expected to stimulate tourism, attract investment, and revitalise one of Kapit’s most recognisable landmarks.
Speaking at the event, the Premier reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering balanced regional growth, enhancing infrastructure, and expanding economic opportunities.
He noted that these initiatives represent a unified vision for Kapit’s future, ensuring that development is inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with Sarawak’s broader socio-economic objectives.
The day’s events highlighted strong collaboration between RECODA, URDA, and other agencies in advancing the state’s development agenda.
With the new headquarters, master plan, and hotel project, Kapit is poised to transform into a modern township that balances progress with sustainability, positioning the Upper Rajang region as a key driver of Sarawak’s growth.
