By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 15: Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh will each get a new RM20 million waterfront as part of Sarawak’s broader push to boost river-based tourism, especially cruise activities along the Sarawak River.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he has been briefed on the proposed projects and has, in principle, agreed to the construction of the waterfronts to serve both community and tourism needs.
“I was informed that the cost is around RM20 million each—for here in Sejijak, and another RM20 million in Paroh.
“And I have agreed to proceed with the waterfronts so that the people here can continue fishing for prawns and fish, and spectators can comfortably watch the boat races,” he said during the closing of the 2025 Sejijak Regatta held at Kampung Sejijak here today.
The new waterfronts are also part of a vision to create a seamless river cruise route from Kuching to Siniawan, a historic town known for its weekend night market and cultural heritage.
Abang Johari noted that the Siniawan waterfront has already been completed, and the town now attracts large crowds every weekend.
The plan is to turn Sejijak and Paroh into stopover destinations along the river cruise route, offering food and local experiences to visitors.
“If tourists can take the boat from Kuching to Siniawan, they can stop here to enjoy local dishes like prawn or tumpik before continuing their journey.
“Siniawan has historical value—it was where past rulers once kept their horses. And now, every weekend, Siniawan is packed with people,” he added.
To support this tourism initiative, Abang Johari revealed that plans and funding are already in place to extend the Kuching Waterfront up to Satok Bridge.
“From there, it’s not far to here (Sejijak and Paroh). So the cruise can continue straight from Kuching to Sejijak, Paroh and all the way to Siniawan,” he stressed.
Also present were Chief Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier and Tupong assemblyman Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Sarawak Irrigation and Drainage Department director Datu Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi, Sarawak Land and Survey Department director Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood, Kuching Resident Dayang Joanita Azizah Abang Morshidi, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Tupong branch deputy chairman Dr Zaiedi Suhaili and Indonesia’s Sambas District Member of Parliament Muhammad Farli who is also the chairman for Sambas District Persatuan Olahraga Dayung Seluruh Indonesia (PODSI). — DayakDaily
