KUCHING: Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today (June 20) welcomed a delegation from Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) in his office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia.

The purpose of the visit was to invite the premier to attend a dinner ceremony in conjunction with the sixth anniversary of the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) on November 11 apart from updating him on the council’s latest achievements.

MPKS also thanked the premier, who was also Gedong assemblyman, for the increased development in Kota Samarahan.

The Sarawak government has approved over 608 projects under the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) and MPKS hoped that the government would hire more architects and engineers for the projects in the area.

Among the projects are the largest Boulevard in Sarawak costing over RM25 million, a hospital, the Tambirat market, a central market, the autonomous rapid transit (ART), a cancer centre and a centre of research for infectious diseases.

A company named SMITH that will begin its operation in Kota Samarahan will produce health products to enhance the medical field in the state.

Chairman of MPKS Datuk Peter Minos also shared that Samarahan would be organising a Food and Cultural Festival from November 12 until November 16 on a large scale with a budget of RM150,000 from the Ministry of Arts and Culture.

Also present during the visit was Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.