By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Aug 21: The section of the Second Trunk Road (STR) cutting through Ulu Sebuyau National Park will be built as an elevated highway to safeguard wildlife habitats while ensuring road connectivity.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the decision was made after consultations with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, following initial objections from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) over the proposed alignment.
“Although it will be more costly, elevating that stretch is essential. It preserves the integrity of the park and allows wildlife, including orangutans and other newly discovered species, to roam freely,” he told reporters at a press conference in Wisma Sumber Alam today.
He emphasised that the elevated stretch would double as a scenic attraction for motorists and travellers.
“It can serve as a sightseeing point. People passing through can stop and enjoy the view of the national park, which adds to its uniqueness,” he said.
Len Talif stressed that the solution reflects Sarawak’s principle of balancing development with conservation.
“While we want to provide access for the people, it must also protect the wildlife, flora and fauna,” he said.
On the overall STR project, he explained that the highway runs from Lanang Bridge to Tulai Bridge before linking with the Pan Borneo Highway at Kelupu near SMK Meradong.
From there, the alignment continues through Roban (Saratok) to Krian Bridge, currently under construction, then connects to Saribas No. 2 Bridge towards Sungai Pinang. It will bypass Maludam, head to Triso and the Batang Sadong Bridge, and from there cut across to Batang Samarahan Bridge near Kampung Tambey.
The STR, he said, will complement the Pan Borneo Highway and Coastal Road Network by providing multiple new connectivity options for local communities.
“For instance, from Betong the road cuts to Sri Aman, meaning we would not have to rely solely on the Pan Borneo Highway. From Sri Aman, a new bridge will connect to Lingga and then back to Ulu Sebuyau along the Batang Lupar road.
“This route will run along the edge of Ulu Sebuyau National Park, and with the elevated highway, the park will also gain proper access,” he explained. — DayakDaily
