By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Nov 30: The Sarawak Government has allocated RM391.17 million to maintain approximately 15,314km of roads under Malaysia Road Records Information System (MARRIS) across the State as of October 2024, says Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Speaking during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today, Uggah emphasised the importance of ex-logging roads, which provide critical links for interior communities to access essential services and transport goods. Over time, the timber roads deteriorate when left unmaintained.
To address this, a pilot programme for rural road maintenance in Baram was launched in June 2024, covering a total of 1,075km of ex-logging roads divided into three zones. With RM5 million allocated annually for each zone, financial progress to date includes:
- Zone 1 (Bario Sub-District, Tinjar Sub-District, and Telang Usan District): RM4.9 million spent on 391km of roads;
- Zone 2 (Miri District, Beluru District, and Marudi District): RM4.96 million utilised on 413km of roads;
- Zone 3 (Telang Usan District and Bario Sub-District): RM15.3 million expended on 271km of roads.
“It is indeed imperative that these ex-logging roads are not neglected, but rather serve to enhance connectivity, particularly in rural areas.
“Hence, we (MIPD) are reviewing the performance of the rural road maintenance pilot programme to optimise execution and accelerate project delivery,” said Uggah. — DayakDaily
