KOTA SAMARAHAN — Samarahan Boulevard is set to play a key role in shaping the future of public green spaces in Sarawak, with plans underway to develop a large-scale park that is expected to become a major recreational icon for the state.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the boulevard is only the first phase of a much bigger vision involving more than 1,000 acres of land identified as a dedicated green area near the Samarahan area. The land, covering about 350 hectares, has been earmarked by the Land and Survey Department for long-term environmental and recreational use.
He said Samarahan Boulevard has been carefully planned with landscaped green areas, tree-lined surroundings and fully developed jogging paths, providing the public with a comfortable and natural environment for outdoor activities. According to him, the boulevard serves as an introduction to what will eventually grow into a vast public park.
“This boulevard is only the beginning. It will become part of a much larger park. For now, we call it Samarahan Park,” he said, adding that the park is planned with the future in mind.
Drawing a comparison with world-famous public parks, the Premier said Sarawak also deserves a large and well-protected green space that can serve as a recreational hub and a point of pride for the state. He said the proposed Samarahan Park is expected to attract visitors from across Sarawak and beyond once fully developed.
Abang Johari made these remarks when officiating the Samarahan Boulevard Groundbreaking Ceremony held at the project site on Saturday.
He further explained that the 1,000-acre area will be planted extensively with trees, with emphasis on local Sarawak hardwood species such as belian. This approach, he said, is aimed at preserving the natural identity of the area while contributing to environmental sustainability.
To ensure long-term protection, the Premier said the land will be gazetted as a green zone. Under this status, the land cannot be used for commercial or residential development unless approval is granted by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly. This legal safeguard, he added, is important to prevent uncontrolled development and to preserve the area for future generations.
Also present at the ceremony were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Dato Idris Buang, several deputy ministers, heads of departments and invited guests.
With careful planning and legal protection in place, the Samarahan Park project reflects Sarawak’s long-term commitment to balanced development, environmental care and the well-being of its people.
