By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Jan 15: Travel from Kuching to Betong can soon be completed in about one hour and 30 minutes with the completion of new road and bridge infrastructure, a development that positions Gedong as a future satellite township to Kuching, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari, who is also Gedong assemblyman, said the construction of about 120 kilometres of new roads will cut travel time between Kuching and Sri Aman to around one hour, when speaking at a press conference during his working visit to the Gedong Baru Village Expansion Scheme (SPK) today.
“The total distance of the road is about 120 kilometres. This means that if you travel from Kuching to Sri Aman using this road at a speed of 120 km/h, you can reach Sri Aman in about one hour.
“From Sri Aman to Betong, using the new road currently under construction including the Batang Lupar 2 bridge, it will take only about 20 minutes. Altogether, travelling from Kuching to Betong will take about one hour and 30 minutes,” he said.
The Premier noted that the improved connectivity mirrors commuting patterns in Peninsular Malaysia, where many people work in Kuala Lumpur but live in nearby towns such as Seremban due to shorter travel distances.
“With better roads, people working in Kuching no longer need to live in the city. They can choose to stay in places like Kota Samarahan or Gedong,” he said.
According to him, the enhanced road network, together with ongoing housing and infrastructure developments, supports Gedong’s growth as a satellite township that complements Kuching’s urban expansion while offering more affordable living options. — DayakDaily
