By Chris Bishop and Karen Bong
GEDONG, May 20: A proposed upgrading of an existing 26km plantation road, estimated to cost RM250 million, will significantly reduce the travel time from Kampung Gedong to Kampung Semalatong to only half an hour.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this road upgrade is part of the Sarawak government’s initiative to connect remote areas in Gedong and Simunjan districts to the main road network, enabling better accessibility to other regions in Sarawak.
“There are two (road) outlets to Semalatong, with one towards Pan Borneo Highway, while also connecting to Simunjan road through Gedong. This (upgraded) road will be connected to the coastal road.
“What is important about the upgrading project is shortening the distance of travel to Semalatong,” he told a press conference after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the taking over and upgrading of existing plantation road from Gedong to Kampung Semalatong held at the Datuk Patinggi Ali Gedong Hall today.
Abang Johari pointed out that the road will pass through potential agriculture areas, offering opportunities for increased agriculture activities to benefit the local populace.
“It will also be part and parcel of the research to be undertaken by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu branch and other universities like Swinburne University on technology. This will turn this area into a huge lab with excellent potential for agriculture,” he added.
The project’s impact, he continued, extends beyond agriculture, as it is expected to boost the tourism sector, particularly in Sibu with its famous ‘kampua’ noodles and Gumpei’s prawn noodles.
Moreover, Abang Johari said the road will be extended and continued to Samarahan, passing through Asajaya to Sadong Jaya and to Sebuyau.
“Now we have completed the embankment of Sebanggan in Sebuyau which opens up opportunities for cultivating new species of coconut.
“We are looking into the possibility of connecting the area to a wider market including Singapore. By embracing new technology, the income of the people will increase,” he said.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Development Ir Aidel Lariwoo and Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki were among those present. — DayakDaily
