By Karen Bong
DARO, July 17: The entire Daro constituency, including areas in Matu, Sibu, Meradong and Daro, will eventually be fully connected by road following the approval of an additional allocation to complete the remaining 3.8-kilometre stretch of road leading to Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Batang Lassa.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the approval during the Leaders with the People gathering for the Daro constituency held in conjunction with the Daro Festival today.
The approval followed an appeal by Daro assemblyman Dr Safiee Ahmad, who highlighted the importance of completing the missing road link under the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA) development programme.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government remained committed to strengthening connectivity in coastal areas through major infrastructure projects, including road networks and bridges connecting areas such as Batang Lupar, Sarikei, Tanjung Manis and Daro.
“After this, Daro will no longer be considered a remote area. All villages in this district will be connected by access roads through the allocations that have been approved,” he said when officiating the event, which was broadcast live via Ukas Channel.
He said the development of road and bridge infrastructure had transformed Daro’s connectivity, turning it into a more accessible and developed area.
“This is no longer the old Daro; this is the new Daro. Even the roads are dual carriageways, with two lanes in each direction, similar to those in Western countries,” he said.
Abang Johari added that the development of modern infrastructure would support Sarawak’s ambition to become a model State, comparing the State’s development vision with Bavaria in Germany, which has contributed significantly to the country’s industrial growth.
“If Malaysia wants to progress, Sarawak must become the pulse of Malaysia’s development. That is why we are arranging all of this,” he said.
Earlier on, Safiee said the RADDA road project had already been approved with an allocation of RM90 million, but the final 3.8-kilometre section was excluded from the original implementation scope due to insufficient funding.
He said the missing link was crucial as it would provide access to SK Batang Lassa, a new school being constructed by the federal government at a cost of RM57 million.
“There are also seven longhouses in the area that will benefit from the completion of this road. Although the missing stretch is only about four kilometres, the impact will be very significant,” he said.
Safiee said the alignment for the road had already been approved and there were no further site issues, but additional funding was needed to complete the project.
“With this approval, the entire N43 Daro constituency, comprising Matu, Sibu, Meradong and Daro, will eventually be connected by road. Then we can say goodbye to the use of express boats,” he said.
He added that improved connectivity would enhance residents’ access to education, economic opportunities and public facilities while supporting the continued development of the Daro area.
At the same event, Abang Johari also presented the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) to recipients under the Single, Household and Senior Citizen categories.
He also witnessed the handover of Bumiputera Communal Reserve (Agriculture) land in the Batang Lassa, Daro area, as well as the presentation of the Section 6 Sarawak Land Code Gazette.
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 and 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 were among the distinguished guests present at the event.
