DBKU to host vibrant 2025 Kuching City Day celebration on Aug 1
Hilmy (sixth from the left) and Abang Johari (fifth eright) singing a song, joined by other distinguished guests at the event. – Photo by Sarawak Public Communications Unit
KUCHING (April 22): The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) will organise and host the 2025 Kuching City Day celebration on Aug 1, said Kuching North Datuk Bandar Dato Hilmy Othman.
Hilmy noted that this year's celebration carries special significance as it aligns with many ongoing changes and transformations in the city.
'Kuching is stepping confidently into a brighter future — not just physically, but also by strengthening unity and community spirit among its residents,' he said at the DBKU Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri event held at its compound at Bukit Siol here last night.
The event was graced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Hilmy said a key highlight of the celebration would be the street parade themed 'Parade of Lights', which will feature participants from all walks of life, including LED-lit electric vehicles (cars and motorcycles), bicycles, and walking contingents from schools, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations — all forming a vibrant, dazzling procession, with the hope that the brilliance of these lights will illuminate Kuching's future success.
Other notable events planned for the celebration include a music festival, the Kuching Lights and Floral Festival, and the popular Kuching International Cat Festival, he added.
Hilmy also highlighted the DBKU complex's strategic location, emphasising that, perched atop Bukit Siol, it stands as the highest administrative building—not only in height but symbolically—among all government agencies.
'From its peak on Bukit Siol, we enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view, encompassing Mount Santubong to the north, the Demak industrial area and BCCK (Borneo Convention Centre Kuching) to the east, the residential zones of Metrocity toward Matang in the west, and the twinkling lights and illuminated buildings of the Central Business District to the south—all visible from this very hilltop.
'This demonstrates DBKU complex's strategic position as an administrative centre and a proud symbol of our city.'
He encouraged DBKU staff to embrace their 'elevated environment' and to demonstrate their commitment as 'selected civil servants' by always looking ahead, moving forward, and driving excellence for the well-being of people of Kuching and the advancement of Kuching as a City of Unity.
Hilmy stated that as part of the city's transformation plan for infrastructure, environment, and aesthetics, several key projects are progressing: the Bintangor Bridge is expected to be completed this April; the Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) system under the Greater Kuching Public Transport Master Plan is underway in Kuching North; the Sejingkat-to-Tanjong Bako Bridge is under construction; and the Coastal Road connecting Bako to Buntal is being built.
He also highlighted other significant development plans, including those in Santubong by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) featuring hotels, Marina Bay, and a new golf course, as well as the Waterfront development project from the Bintangor bridge to the Satok bridge, which is expected to be the longest waterfront in the country
'With these projects, we will not only beautify Kuching City but also improve the quality of life and attract more tourists to our state,' he affirmed.
Hilmy emphasised the importance of organisational restructuring for DBKU to effectively drive the city's transformation.
'Therefore, to ensure the success of DBKU's transformation efforts and the realisation of initiatives aimed at achieving a sustainable and competitive city through the Smart City approach under the Sarawak Smart City Master Plan, I sincerely hope to receive support and consideration for the approval of DBKU's Organisational Restructuring Proposal as soon as possible.
'This will enable DBKU to act swiftly in meeting the necessary demands to further drive our transformation journey,' he said.
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