Latest news with #HilmyOthman
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Climate
- Borneo Post
‘Colour, culture, cheer': Kuching ‘Parade of Lights' shines despite evening rain
Participants from Persatuan Main Asal Dayak Sarawak dressed in traditional attire adorned with lights, adding a striking glow to the parade. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 16): The Kuching Street Parade, themed 'Parade of Lights', lit up the city centre tonight with bursts of colour, music, and festive spirit, despite a sudden downpour temporarily disrupting the celebration. The parade began smoothly at 6pm from Travillion Commercial Centre, flagged off by Kuching North Datuk Bandar Dato Hilmy Othman. More than 2,000 participants from 54 contingents, representing government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, Neighbourhood Committees, and institutions of higher learning, marched proudly through the streets, greeted by cheers and applause from the crowd. The joyous atmosphere was briefly interrupted around 7.15pm when heavy rain swept across the city, forcing activities to pause. Participants carrying umbrellas adorned with vibrant lights brighten up the Kuching Street Parade, matching both the theme and the rainy weather. – Photo by Chimon Upon Guests and spectators waited under shelter while participants stood ready with umbrellas and ponchos. As the skies cleared, the parade resumed, its vibrant energy returning with dazzling floats, lively performances, and beaming smiles. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, arrived at the main stage at Padang Merdeka at 8pm, accompanied by his wife Datin Sri Enn Ong. They were welcomed by other distinguished guests, including Hilmy; Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng; State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar; and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi. The main showcase opened with a dance performance by the National Department of Culture and Arts, setting the evening's tone with rhythmic movements and colourful costumes. DBKU contingent thrills the crowd with a fire-breathing act accompanied by energetic dances. – Photo by Kong Jung Liung Stage lights were dimmed to highlight the glowing costumes and illuminated displays from the contingents. Many participants went the extra mile to bring the 'Parade of Lights' theme to life, dazzling the crowd with graceful dances, shimmering costumes, bright floats, and creative touches infused with Sarawak's rich cultural elements. Endless music, applause, and cheers added to the festive atmosphere, proving that not even rain could dampen the brilliance of Kuching's Parade of Lights. Kuching Street Parade Parade of Lights
Free Malaysia Today
02-08-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Kuching to have longest riverfront and new landmark garden
Kuching North mayor Hilmy Othman said a 16-hectare floral garden will be developed near Jalan Astana and would be a major public attraction and eco-tourism destination. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The Kuching Waterfront is to be extended and will be Malaysia's longest river waterfront under a development plan by the Kuching North City Hall which includes a 16-hectare floral garden, inspired by Singapore's Gardens by the Bay. Kucing North mayor Hilmy Othman said the extended Kuching Waterfront will run from Sungai Bintangor to the Satok Bridge, the Borneo Post reported. The project is part of plans by the city hall (DBKU) to transform Kuching into a low-carbon, globally competitive capital city under Sarawak's development strategy. The 16-hectare floral garden, one of the headline projects, is to be developed near Jalan Astana. Hilmy said the floral garden would serve as a major public attraction and eco-tourism destination, drawing both tourists and plant lovers. Complementing this is the upcoming Bamboo Gallery, a 25-hectare green architecture and sustainability education centre near Jalan Crookshank. 'These projects aim to preserve the site's natural greenery and heritage,' Hilmy said. He said DBKU would continue investing in infrastructure that blends sustainability with public benefit. The city has already installed more than 2,000 smart streetlights to cut energy use and reduce maintenance costs, along with over 300 CCTVs to boost security. A smart parking system, set to replace the coupon model, is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025 and integrated into the iDBKU digital platform.
The Star
01-08-2025
- The Star
Kuching Waterfront set to be longest riverfront nationwide
KUCHING: The Kuching North City Hall plans to extend the Kuching Waterfront to make it the longest riverfront in the country. Kuching North mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman said the extension from Sungai Bintangor to the Satok Bridge was part of a project to revitalise the Waterfront in line with aspirations to strengthen Kuching's identity as a world-class tourist destination. "The project aims to upgrade and improve the design of the Kuching Waterfront to be more modern, visitor-friendly and attractive. "The proposed extension will transform the Waterfront into a new landmark in the city's landscape," he said at the Kuching City Day celebration at Pangkalan Sapi here on Friday (Aug 1). The Waterfront is a landscaped promenade about 1.5km long on the southern bank of the Sarawak River with scenic views of Fort Margherita, the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex and the Astana across the river. Hilmy said the Waterfront project was among several urban transformation initiatives to propel Kuching into an advanced and sustainable future. He said other infrastructure projects included the upcoming autonomous rail transit (ART) station at Hikmah Exchange, the Sungai Bintangor Bridge to improve local road networks and the Sejingkat Bridge to connect the Sejingkat and Demak Laut industrial areas to Tanjung Bako. "In addition, the 6.5km coastal road linking Bako and Buntal will provide a safe and efficient alternative route, while green infrastructure and recreational facilities will be developed at Samariang Pinggir for the benefit of the local community. "With the implementation of these projects, not only will Kuching become more beautiful and modern, the quality of life will also improve for its people," he said. Themed "Smart City of Unity, Embracing a Sustainable Future," Kuching City Day commemorates the elevation of Kuching to city status on Aug 1, 1988. The celebration was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, representing Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
