By Adrian Lim
SARATOK, June 11: The Sarawak economy is on the path to recovery following the resumption of several construction projects after the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) was implemented.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is optimistic that Sarawak’s economy will gradually recover following the almost total halt in economic activities over the past three months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The resuming of construction projects will spur the recovery of Sarawak’s economy going forward.
“With the gradually opening up of more economic sectors, there will be job opportunities, for instance for contractors (in the construction industry).
“I am positive about the recovery of Sarawak’s economy going forward,” he said during a press conference after performing the ground-breaking ceremony on the Sungai Krian bridge project in Kaba, Saratok here today.
Abang Johari visited the site to check on the standard operating procedures (SOP) adopted by contractors for the construction of the Sungai Krian and Batang Saribas bridges during the new normal post-Covid-19.
When asked by reporters on the impact of the forced pause due to Covid-19, Abang Johari asserted that Covid-19 has no impact on construction cost but several projects had to be rescheduled following the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari expressed belief the Sungai Krian bridge project in Kaba, Saratok here, when completed, will provide greater connectivity to the rakyat especially those living along the coastal area.
He also believed the coastal road project will boost the agriculture sector and open up new areas of economic development.
In the meantime, Abang Johari revealed, the Sungai Krian bridge project, which spans 690 metres with an estimated contract sum of RM75 million is expected to be completed by March 2022.
He highlighted that in the next three years, bridges will replace ferry services for road transportation along the coastal road.
He reiterated the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government intends build seven bridges along the Coastal Road project across Batang Rambungan, Batang Lupar, Batang Igan, Batang Saribas, Sungai Krian, Batang Paloh and Muara Lassa.
After the earth-breaking ceremony for the Sungai Krian bridge, Abang Johari inspected the work progress of the Batang Saribas bridge project at Pusa, Betong.
He emphasised that the Batang Saribas bridge project is scheduled to be completed in June 2023.
Concerning the long-term economic development of Sarawak, Abang Johari revealed that he established the Sarawak Economic Action Council (SEAC) to shape the direction of Sarawak’s economy going forward. — DayakDaily
