KUCHING: Kuching North City Commission (DBKU will continue to hold many programmes at the Kuching Waterfront to help the Sarawak government make it a hive of activities, especially in the evening.
On Tuesday night, DBKU was host to several programmes as part of its collaboration with the #okshe (old Kuching smart heritage) initiative, and the National Department of Arts and Culture, Sarawak (JKKNS).
“We are having four live shows at the waterfront this week and tonight, we did a throwback to the 60s with a “Pop yeh yeh” theme to the show, which is essentially a musical theatre,” explained a spokesperson and DBKU public relations officer Norhayati Bidin.
“Also what has happened tonight is our mayor is leading his band (DBKU 5) and the band is playing the whole show, including a medley with legendary “Pop yeh yeh” singer Datuk Jefrydeen. So that is his surprise for the Kuching people.”
Norhayati also pointed out that the campaign was part of the “old Kuching smart heritage programme” (#okshe) which aimed to bring the people back to the waterfront area (Old Kuching) and make it busy, just like it used to be in the past.
“Now the Kuching Waterfront is fast becoming the busiest part of Kuching nightlife, with thousands visiting the city landmark nightly for a fun night out with the family. Tonight, for example, we have a crowd of about 2,000 just for this show.”
New Sarawak Tribune also spoke to visitors at the venue to get their views on the waterfront and its growing popularity.
Sales executive Salmiah Zamri said, “The lighting at the waterfront has improved tremendously, so I think that’s why many people choose to come down to the waterfront now just to relax and unwind.”
Lyn Smith, a tourist from Washington DC, USA, was full of praise for the waterfront. She was surprised there were many wonderful entertainment programmes for her to enjoy.
“The waterfront itself is bright so everyone can see each other but not too bright that there is no privacy. I like it and I feel safe mingling and walking around.”
Housewife and mother of three, Lyana Duru said,“Since Abang Johari took over as Chief Minister, the waterfront has come alive. For me, it is free entertainment for the whole family and in these bad economic times, the entertainment and relaxation we get here help us cope with the busy city life.”
Food-truck vendor Darren Lim said, “We are starting to see an increase in revenue when we do the waterfront events because of the sheer number of people moving about. When there are a lot of people, the chance of a good sale is better.”
Mary, Rosie and John Smith, a family from Glasgow, Scotland, were also delighted with the waterfront.
A smiling Rosie, who spoke for the family, said, “We just love this waterfront area as it allows us to have dinner and then go for a nice walk. Finding such a family-friendly atmosphere within walking distance of our hotel is a welcome plus.”
Apart from the nightly heritage shows at the main stage area, there were other activities such as the FIFA19 PS4 championship at the e-pavilion, an exhibition centre and various sales activities hosted by DBKU as well.
The finals of the e-sports event were also held the same night, with champion Aidil Afiz Azri walking away with RM1,200. Second place winner Awang Raad Awang Khalik went home with RM800 while third place winner Majin Buu received RM600.
Consolation winner Asraf Zakaria went home with RM400.
The “Agenda Warisan Pintar Old Kuching” by DBKU will end on March 30 but the waterfront will continue to host many more events as Old Kuching reinvents itself.
