By Karen Bong
MARUDI, Jan 17: The Sarawak government is set to prioritise upgrading the roads connecting Marudi to Long Terawan, Long Iman, and eventually to Limbang under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), following the completion of the Marudi Bridge.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that completing this road network will transform Baram from a remote area into a key hub in the region.
“Our next step is to ensure road accessibility, supported by the 13MP and the Northern Regional Development Agency.
“Once all bridges are completed, Sarawakians will be able to travel seamlessly across the region to Limbang. This connectivity will create new economic opportunities” he said when addressing the inauguration of Marudi Bridge, which was streamed live via Ukas Channel, today.
Abang Johari also highlighted the strong collaboration among local elected representatives, including Baram MP Anyi Ngau, Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, and Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau, to advance development in the area.
Acknowledging the importance of road connectivity for the prosperity of Sarawakians, he pointed out that it would also facilitate easier access for tourists to the Unesco World Heritage sites of Mulu and Niah national parks.
“They will also have the opportunity to explore the beauty of Baram when they visit Miri, which will boost tourism spending and contribute to the local economy,” he added.
In addition to these plans, Abang Johari highlighted the construction of a deep-sea port spanning seven kilometres in Kuala Baram.
“With this port, we hope to welcome cruise ships that typically bring 2,000 to 3,000 passengers,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure across Sarawak, Abang Johari emphasised that these developments will benefit all Sarawakians, including those in Baram.
He also encouraged the local community to embrace modern agriculture, including high-tech paddy cultivation, to boost food security and reduce reliance on rice imports.
“It’s time to adopt high technology in our work processes. Even in road construction, we must innovate, so Sarawak can flourish and prosper,” he urged.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, Deputy Minister of Public Health and Housing Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister of Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister of Port Development Datu Majang Renggi, Baram MP Anyi Ngau and Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris were among those present. — DayakDaily
