By Karen Bong
DARO, July 17: Daro is no longer a remote district on the fringes of Sarawak but is now within easy reach of Kuching, with travellers able to have breakfast in the state capital and enjoy the district’s famous terubok fish by lunchtime, thanks to major investments in bridges and road connectivity, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said strategic infrastructure projects undertaken by the Sarawak government have dramatically shortened travel times to the coastal district and transformed connectivity across the Rajang region.
Speaking when officiating the Leaders with People’s gathering for the Daro constituency in conjunction with the Daro Festival, which was broadcast live on Ukas Channel today, Abang Johari said improved road networks and bridge links now enable travellers to reach Daro from Kuching in about two and a half hours.
“The other day, I travelled from Batang Lupar to Sarikei in just one hour and 50 minutes. I rode a motorcycle from Batang Lupar to Pusa in 45 minutes and from Pusa to Sarikei in one hour.
“If you then use the Batang Rajang bridge that connects to Tanjung Manis, it takes about another hour. In two and a half hours, you can reach Daro from Kuching.
“Daro is no longer far away. We can have breakfast in Kuching, leave at eight in the morning and by eleven o’clock be in Daro enjoying terubok fish,” he said.
He attributed the transformation to major infrastructure developments, including the Batang Lassa Bridge and the Batang Rajang bridge, which have strengthened links between Kuching, Sarikei, Tanjung Manis and Daro.
The Premier said the enhanced connectivity forms part of broader development initiatives under the Rajang Development Agency (RADA), aimed at stimulating economic growth and improving mobility throughout the Kuala Rajang.
He added that villages across the district are also being connected through new roads, while key routes are being upgraded to dual-carriageway standards.
“This is not the old Daro. This is the new Daro. Even the roads are dual carriageways, with two lanes each way, just like in developed countries,” he said.
Abang Johari credited the progress to the strong cooperation between the State government and local leaders who consistently pursued development projects for the area.
He added that better accessibility would boost tourism, trade and investment opportunities, especially as Sarawak prepares to launch its own airline and promote attractions across the State.
“With better roads and bridges, tourists can come to Kuching and travel to Daro to enjoy its attractions and famous terubok fish. This will increase business opportunities and strengthen the local economy,” he said.
The Premier said the transformation of Daro reflected Sarawak’s wider vision of becoming a modern and highly connected State with world-class infrastructure while ensuring development reaches rural communities.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Daro assemblyman Dr Safiee Ahmad were among the distinguished guests present at the event. — DayakDaily
