By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, May 27: As of 2025, a total of RM49.93 million has been allocated to the Department of Agriculture Sarawak for the implementation of over 120 new farm road projects throughout the State, covering approximately 100km of road and related infrastructure.
In addition to new road developments, Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom shared that the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak (DID Sarawak) had been allocated RM46 million under the Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS) programme for 206 farm road maintenance projects Statewide.
“Currently, five (farm road) projects have been completed, 97 projects are under construction, and the remaining 104 projects are at the planning stage,” said Dr Rundi during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
He added that DID Sarawak also received RM5.02 million from the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (MPIC) Malaysia to implement 11 projects under the Jalan Ladang Pekebun Kecil (JLPK) programme, all of which are currently in the planning stage and expected to be tendered by the third quarter of 2025.
Simultaneously, the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) continues to complement State and Federal efforts to strengthen rural infrastructure. For 2025, SALCRA has been granted RM8.1 million to implement 15 rural road projects across Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, and Betong Divisions.
This includes seven projects under the Jalan Perhubungan Desa programme (RM3.2 million), one project under the Program Khas Bumiputera (RM1 million), and seven MARRIS-funded projects (RM3.9 million).
All projects are currently underway and targeted for completion by December 2025.
The completed roads are expected to improve accessibility for more than 19 villages and their surrounding areas, benefitting rural landowners and neighbouring communities.
Dr Rundi revealed that his ministry has received over 400 requests for farm road development from farmers, agencies, and elected representatives, with an estimated total cost of RM180.4 million.
“Considering these numerous requests, I urge the Government to fully support and seriously consider it as one of the top priorities,” he said. –DayakDaily
