By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 16: The Sarawak government has been urged to prioritise the continuation of road connectivity from Nanga Pelagus through Merit, Anap and Sangan to Bintulu, with the proposed route envisioned as a strategic economic corridor linking the State’s interior to industrial and port facilities, and potentially providing an alternative connection towards Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital.
Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang made the call when debating the Sarawak Budget 2027 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS) sitting today, saying the proposed corridor could open up new opportunities for trade, investment, tourism and economic cooperation between Sarawak and Kalimantan, Indonesia.
He said the road should not be viewed merely as a rural infrastructure project, but as a strategic connection that could strengthen Kapit’s economic links with Bintulu and facilitate future cross-border connectivity.
“With future road connectivity towards Tapak Megah in Kapit and Long Nawang in Kalimantan, Indonesia, it could provide an alternative route linking Sarawak to Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital,” he said.
Nyabong said improved connectivity could position Kapit as a potential gateway for cross-border trade and investment while giving rural communities access to wider markets and new economic opportunities.
He urged the government to translate the proposal into a coordinated development priority, with funding and implementation plans that would ensure the route’s long-term potential could be realised.
He pointed out that Kapit had considerable potential in agriculture, agro-processing, livestock, food production and other value-added industries, adding that the local economy needed to diversify beyond its longstanding reliance on timber.
A reliable road connection to Bintulu, he said, would reduce logistical barriers, improve market access, attract investment and create business and employment opportunities, particularly for younger people.
“A road is not merely concrete, asphalt and bridges. A road is an economic enabler. It connects farmers to markets, businesses to investors and rural communities to wider economic opportunities,” he said.
He therefore proposed that the corridor be given priority in future development planning and budget allocations, supported by a clear and coordinated implementation strategy.
Nyabong welcomed the allocation of RM742 million for roads and bridges throughout Sarawak under Budget 2027, alongside continued investment in water supply, electricity and other essential infrastructure.
On developments in his constituency of N.61 Pelagus, he expressed appreciation to the Sarawak government for approving the Nanga Tulie Ferry Project, with construction of the ferry ramp underway.
He urged the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) to ensure that the necessary approach road connecting the ferry terminal to the main road at Kampung Sawang, as well as proper road access on the northern side, was provided.
While acknowledging the ferry’s role as an interim transport solution for people, vehicles and goods, he stressed that permanent bridge connectivity must remain the long-term objective.
He also called for funding to be expedited for three road projects under the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) of the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda), saying the completion of missing sections was essential to deliver continuous and functional connections.
The projects are the Baleh Bridge-Pelagus Resort Road, the Rumah Taing-Existing Logging Road in the Sungai Sut area, and the Sungai Bena Road from Rumah Undi towards Rumah Ai in Antawau Bena.
For the Baleh Bridge-Pelagus Resort Road, he said Phase 1, Section 2 had been completed, while Section 1, which was retendered, was nearing completion. However, Phase 2 was still needed to bridge the gap between the two sections.
In Sungai Sut, Phase 1 of the Rumah Taing-Existing Logging Road had been completed, and he called for funding for Phase 2 to extend the connection to Antaroh Junction and link surrounding communities to the existing tar-sealed road network.
For the Sungai Bena Road, he said Phase 1 had been completed and urged early approval of Phase 2 to complete the connection to Rumah Ai.
“These projects must not remain as disconnected road sections,” he said, calling on the relevant agencies to expedite allocations, closely monitor construction and ensure the roads were completed as continuous links.
Nyabong also highlighted the 17.3km Nanga Tulie-Rumah Bujah Road, implemented under JKR Sarawak’s supervision and funded by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), which he said was nearing completion.
While commending the government and implementing agencies for the progress, he said infrastructure development should not stop at Nanga Pelagus.
He reiterated that extending the road network towards Bintulu would be important not only for local mobility but also for expanding the economic reach of communities in the Rajang hinterland. — DayakDaily
