By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 29: A new road linking Gedong and Ulu Simunjan via Semalatong is expected to be completed within the next one to two years.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the project forms part of a broader development blueprint for Gedong and Ulu Simunjan, with road infrastructure serving as the cornerstone of efforts to unlock the area’s growth potential.
“Previously, travelling to Ulu Simunjan takes a long time because of the winding road.
“Therefore, we have begun developing a new route via Semalatong and, hopefully, it will be completed within the next one to two years,” he said when speaking at the Ngiling Bidai ceremony held in conjunction with the Gedong district-level Gawai Dayak celebration at Kampung Keniong Jaya, broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Facebook tonight.
The Jalan Gedong-Semalatong was previously reported to will be carried out in three packages, with a combined length of 57.45 kilometres and an estimated cost of RM378.81 million.
Abang Johari also outlined two other major road initiatives aimed at improving regional connectivity, namely the upgrading of the existing Jalan Gedong-Simunjan and the construction of the dual carriageway Serian-Gedong-Samarahan Highway.
Together, he said, the three road components—Serian to Gedong via Jalan Munggu Kopi, Gedong to Ulu Simunjan via Semalatong, and the wider connectivity towards Samarahan—form part of the State’s long-term plan to improve mobility, reduce travel time and enhance economic linkages in the area.
Abang Johari, who is also Gedong assemblyman, further said development in Gedong is also progressing steadily, including works on the opposite side of the town.
He added that the government is also planning to expand water supply coverage in the area as part of ongoing infrastructure improvements, stressing that Gedong and Simunjan must be developed as one integrated area.
He said improved road connectivity would further strengthen links between Gedong, Simunjan and Kuching, particularly once the Jalan Munggu Kopi-Gedong route is completed and extended towards Rembus in Samarahan, before connecting to Asajaya and Sadong Jaya.
“From there, the network will link to Kuching via the new Sejingkat bridge. Once the bridge is completed, Gedong and Simunjan will no longer be far away, including Serian.
“From there, it will go to Sadong Jaya, then Sebuyau, Sebuyau to the river mouth area in Batang Lupar, and Batang Lupar to Lingga, Lingga to Sri Aman, and from Sri Aman to Betong.
“This is a new route that will shorten travel time and allow us to connect southern Sarawak with the central region,” he added.
Also present were Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Development and Sadong Jaya assemblyman Datuk Aidel Lariwoo; Premier’s Special Representative in Gedong, Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais; Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee; and Samarahan Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang. — DayakDaily
