By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, May 17: A bridge connecting Tanah Putih to Parit Bugis in Sarikei will be built across Batang Rajang, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said this is to support the development of a modern agropark in the area, which is part of the State government’s initiative to strengthen rural connectivity and boost the economy through modern agriculture.
He said this followed a meeting whereby Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Sarawak and Kuala Rajang assemblyman, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, informed him that the road heading towards the agropark is still a farm road.
“Therefore, we will upgrade the road because it is an agropark—a modern farm—so the road has to be modern too. That means the bridge to Parit Bugis is also included (in the road upgrading), seeing as it is near the road,” he said.
He said this during the officiation ceremony of the Batang Rajang Bridge, which is now the Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Tuanku Haji Othman Bridge, in Sarikei today.
The Premier said this in response to one of the three project proposals brought forward by Len Talif.
The other two are the upgrading of the 14km Bintangor-Sarikei Road and the construction of a road from Jalan Pasi to the Pan Borneo Highway with a length of 11km.
“For the Bintangor-Sarikei Road, we will secure funds first, which could be from the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) or the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA). As for the road from Jalan Pasi to the Pan Borneo Highway, we can fulfil it, and if we add it all together (the three projects), it will consume a relatively large allocation.
“However, it is vital that Sarawakians remain united and the State politically stable—only then can leaders focus on finding allocations to build on the people’s demands,” he said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak and Sebuyau assemblyman Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; and Sarawak Secretary, Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, were also present. — DayakDaily
