24 July 2016

State to develop planned townships into urban centres

KUCHING: The state’s urban development plans are placing an emphasis on developing planned townships in Tabuan Jaya, 10th Mile, Matang Jaya and Batu Kawa into urban centres.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also Housing and Urbanisation Minister, said this during the grand opening of Vivacity Megamall at Jalan Wan Alwi here yesterday.

“These are four areas that we want to develop properly as urban centres.

“An area to look into is logistics. It is for us to create friendly road systems that will connect the four townships without creating congestion,” he said.

Abang Johari was representing chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem to officiate at the event.

He disclosed that the government is supportive of the mall project as it is in line with urban development plans to migrate into a new economy that emphasises on services.

He added that there is also need for more parking spaces inside buildings such as shopping malls, as part of transforming the city to be more friendly and liveable as well as to create more space.

On the need for shopping malls, Abang Johari, who is also Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said that shopping is an important part of tourism as the number of tourist arrivals is expected to grow.

“Why do we need so many malls? We have to plan for the future.

“Shopping is an added platform to promote our tourism to the world. With the direct flights from Hong Kong doing well, Hong Kong Airlines is anticipating to increase flights from twice a week to three times a week.

“We are also in the process of negotiating with a Taiwanese airline. Once finalised, we will get another direct flight, maybe from South Korea next.

“The number of tourists will rise and we want them to spend their money,” he said.


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