Construction of the RM2.18 million new roof over Simunjan esplanade has not stopped, says SLM Awla Idris

SIMUNJAN, March 5 2026: The construction of the proposed RM2.18 million new roof over the Simunjan esplanade project has not stopped, contrary to claims by “irresponsible parties on social media”,  Simunjan State Legislative Member (SLM) Awla Idris (picture) has explained.

He said the absence of significant physical activity at the construction site at the moment is due to the majority of the project materials being produced at the factory level before being sent to the site for the installation process.

"The materials are made entirely at the factory and will only be brought to Simunjan for the installation process when completed," he said after chairing a special meeting here today.

He explained that the high demand in the construction industry throughout Sarawak is also affecting the supply period of materials.

He said that the implementation of various development projects simultaneously by the Sarawak government has caused factories around Kuching to divide production capacity among many contractors involved.

He added the contractor informed that the relevant materials are scheduled to arrive at the project site on March 9 to enable the installation work to continue.

He also denied the viral claims that the contractor fled and took the machine out of the project site.

Caption: An artist impression of the Simunjan esplanade 

"The pile driving machine has been removed because the relevant phase of work has been completed and will be replaced by the use of a crane to carry out the next phase of work," he explained.

He said the full completion period of the project, which was originally scheduled for April 6, is now expected to be fully completed on July 24.

Awla advised the public, especially netizens, not to speculate recklessly or spread unverified information without first obtaining confirmation from the authorities.

The public is also asked to remain patient and give the contractor time to complete the remaining work as soon as the project materials arrive at the site.

Awla chaired a special meeting to discuss the current status of the project which took place at the Simunjan District Office Meeting Room.

The meeting involved Simunjan District Officer Sanuyah Mohamad, Acting Secretary of the Simunjan District Council Sabli Razak, engineers, consultants and contractors to review the latest developments in the project implemented by the Simunjan District Council (MDS) as the implementing agency.