By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 29: Four major road projects worth RM750 million are set to enhance connectivity and ease congestion in Batu Kawa, with construction expected to begin in 2026 under the Sarawak government’s initiative.
Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Kho Teck Wan, emphasised that the new road network is fully funded by the Sarawak government to improve local connectivity and provide alternative routes to reduce reliance on the heavily congested Jalan Batu Kawa.
“These roads will help divert traffic away from Jalan Batu Kawa, which is part of the Pan Borneo Highway and falls under the federal government’s maintenance and upgrade responsibilities,” she said during a ShallWeeTalk live session with Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng today.
The proposed projects, implemented under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and set to be completed in phases, include the Inner Ring Road (Package E) project, valued at RM340 million.
It involves the construction of a 9.5km dual carriageway built to JKR R5 standard, stretching from the Stephen Yong junction to Jalan FAC, Matang. In its first phase, 3.2km of the road will be completed up to Jalan Sungai Maong, providing Moyan residents with a direct route that bypasses Jalan Batu Kawa entirely.
Second is the upgrading of Jalan Batu Kawa-Matang, costing RM150 million, will expand 8.5km of road from a single carriageway (JKR R3) to a dual carriageway (JKR U3 standard).
Another key development is the new Jalan Batu Kawa-Stephen Yong link, which has a budget of RM160 million. This project involves constructing a 5.5km dual carriageway from Batu Kawa junction to Stephen Yong junction, built to JKR U3 standard.
Lastly, the new road linking Jalan Matang-Batu Kawa to Jalan Kuching-Bau, worth RM100 million, will feature a 4.3km dual carriageway (JKR U3 standard) through Kampung Rantau Panjang. The project will include the construction of a bridge, providing an alternative route that allows residents to bypass Jalan Batu Kawa entirely.
“Tendering for most projects is expected in Q4 2024, with construction beginning in early 2026,” she explained.
Kho, who also serves as Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Women’s Chief, urged federal MPs from Sarawak to advocate for road improvements rather than shifting blame onto the Sarawak government.
“The public pays taxes, including road tax collected by the federal government, and these funds should be reinvested in road maintenance,” she stated.
She stressed that despite Jalan Batu Kawa being a federal road, the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has taken proactive steps to ease congestion by funding alternative routes.
Alongside road upgrades, the Sarawak government is also addressing flood risks in Batu Kawa with four dry ponds are currently under construction as part of a proactive flood mitigation strategy.
Two dry ponds are being constructed at Pine Square at a cost of RM22 million. Another two dry ponds are being built at MJC, with an allocation of RM19.9 million. The total cost for these flood mitigation projects amounts to RM40 million.
These dry ponds, also known as detention basins, temporarily hold excess rainwater during heavy downpours, preventing flash floods by regulating water flow into nearby rivers and drainage systems.
“Additionally, many smaller drainage works are ongoing. Infrastructure development takes time, and residents should be patient as progress unfolds,” Kho said.
She expressed optimism that once these projects are completed, traffic congestion will ease, and flood risks will be significantly reduced.
“These initiatives reflect the Sarawak government’s commitment to long-term urban resilience and infrastructure development,” she affirmed. — DayakDaily
