By Shikin Louis
MIRI, Nov 7: Pan Baram is part of Sarawak’s long-term plan to connect Miri, Baram and eventually Belaga, with the wider road network expected to open up economic opportunities across the interior.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the plan included road links towards Lapok and further inland, building on the Miri-Marudi connection and the Miri–Marudi–Mulu–Long Lama (MMMLL) Road Project.
“Pan Baram is actually part of our long-term plan for Baram. This includes the road to Lapok and the broader road programme extending further inland towards Belaga.
“Eventually, all these areas will be connected, although it may take time,” he said when officiating at the opening of the FORUM Cultural Centre here today, which was streamed live on Facebook by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
He said the wider road network would connect the 142km Baram area, including through feeder roads built along former logging roads.
“The moment you open up the area, economic activities will come,” he said, highlighting the economic potential that improved connectivity could unlock for communities in the interior.
Abang Johari, however, said he could not make any immediate commitment on the proposed road network as the Sarawak government was currently in caretaker mode ahead of the 13th Sarawak Election.
He nevertheless expressed confidence that the plan could eventually be realised, provided Sarawak continued to generate sufficient revenue to finance its development.
“I can commit on this one because I believe that our revenue will be there,” he said, referring to the eventual connectivity plan.
Earlier, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala dubbed the proposed 250km road linking Lapok to Bario as the Pan Baram Road.
He said the route could be upgraded in the future following the Sarawak government’s decision to take over former logging roads. — DayakDaily
