By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 28: The Northern Coastal Highway (NCH), a RM6.8 billion development project intended to improve connectivity in northern Sarawak, is scheduled to be launched on November 1, 2025.
According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, the ceremony will be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Taman Rekreasi Limbang, marking a major milestone for residents in Lawas and the surrounding areas.
Chief executive officer of the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda), Datuk Ismawi Ismuni, said the project is a key government initiative to improve the strategic road network in the northern border region.
“The NCH, envisioned by the Premier of Sarawak, will form a four-lane modern highway connecting Limbang and Lawas while opening direct access to Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Kalimantan,” he said.
The 87.96km highway comprises three sections in Limbang and two in Lawas. Its alignment starts from the Customs, Quarantine, and Security (CIQS) Complex in Tedungan to CIQS Pandaruan in Limbang, and from CIQS Mengkalap to CIQS Merapok in Lawas.
Among the major features are Rest and Service Areas at Tedungan and Pandaruan, iconic bridges in Limbang and Kuala Lawas, several trumpet interchanges, including those at Gelugus and Terusan, and a 1km Bukit Mas viaduct built in line with ESG principles to safeguard local flora and fauna.
“This viaduct is not just a structure; it symbolises the balance between development and environmental preservation,” Ismawi explained.
Through its connection with the Pan Borneo Highway, Sarawak–Sabah Link Road (SSLR) and Trans Borneo Highway, the NCH will strengthen transport networks and unlock new opportunities in tourism, modern agriculture and petrochemical activities.
The fully State-funded project is expected to take 48 months to complete, with Recoda as the implementing agency. — DayakDaily
