By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 6: Sarawak will upgrade access roads in Santubong and enhance the Damai golf course to improve hospitality offerings and strengthen the State’s tourism appeal, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He pointed out that the road to Damai remains narrow, and the State will upgrade it into a four-lane road, along with constructing another Santubong Bridge to support the dual-carriageway route.
“With improved infrastructure, then the mobility will be improved between Kuching to Damai,” he said during the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Corporate Dinner at Riverside Majestic Hotel here last night (Dec 5).
Apart from roads, the Premier said the State also plans to improve hospitality amenities at Damai, including the golf course.
“Though I’m not a golfer, we will try to attract golfers from other countries to play golf at Damai,” he added.
Speaking at the same event, SEDC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain said the Damai Peninsula Masterplan—which includes exclusive villas and luxury condominiums, premium commercial centres, world-class recreational facilities, and a cruise terminal—is expected to be completed and fully operational by 2030.
To ensure the success of the masterplan, Abd Aziz stressed that the construction and completion of the dual-carriageway road to Damai by SEDC is essential.
“This upgraded road is not just an infrastructure project, it is a strategic enabler that will open the gateway for Damai’s transformation. SEDC is committed to moving both fronts forward in parallel, ensuring that the vision for Damai becomes a reality that will benefit Sarawak for generations to come,” he said.
Abang Johari also announced that the government is improving the road to Mulu, which is currently accessible only by air.
He said the road will run from Miri to Marudi, Marudi to Long Terawan, to Long Panai, to Long Lama and directly to Mulu, continuing along Sungai Melinau and straight to Gunung Buda in Limbang.
“In other words, we have another loop that will be an attraction to tourists, convenient for tourists to go to Mulu,” he said.
He noted that travellers face a narrow flight window of 11am to 2pm, and missing it can disrupt their entire travel package.
“They are afraid of being trapped because they can’t get out. After 2pm, the birds will come out and flights cannot enter,” he explained, referring to the limited flight window at Mulu Airport.
After 2pm, bird activity increases around the airstrip, creating a safety risk for planes. Tourists who miss the short 11am–2pm flight window could find themselves effectively “trapped,” as no flights can land or depart safely later in the day.
Abang Johari added that the Mulu road is expected to be completed by 2030 and will help open up the economy of the Orang Ulu communities in Baram. – DayakDaily
