SIBU, June 24: The road between Lanang Bridge and Durin Bridge will be upgraded into a dual-carriageway under the 12th Malaysia Plan which is due to start next year.
“This will then link to Sarikei and Bintangor from Lanang Bridge and finally link to the state coastal road. Meaning the trip from Kuching to Sibu will only take between three to four hours,” said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun at a press conference today after site-inspection of two mammoth projects.
Presently it takes eight hours from Kuching to Sibu by road.
“My trip to Sibu is to see the state of project implementation here based on our plan to expand Sibu development and also the urban renewal project. We want to make Sibu a vibrant place with its connectivity to the hinterland. So I am delivering the promise I made to Sibu people when I became your CM,” he said.
Among the mammoth projects, is a new 8km road linking Sibujaya to Jalan Kong Yit Khim which is being constructed at a cost of RM100 million.
“This road will stimulate Sibujaya as part of the new urban area for Sibu. Jalan Kong Yit Khim will be linked to Lanang Bridge which is about 7-8km and also link to Durin Bridge,” he added.
He also brought a piece of good news on the construction of Sibu-Kapit Road which will be completed in either October or November this year.
On the affordable housing or Rumah Spekra Permata (RSP) in Kemuyang, he said a 9km road will be constructed to link the place to Jalan Teku-Pasai Siong under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
The chief minister said the road to Sibu Airport – Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman – will be upgraded to solve the congestion problem.
With all these road projects, he said Sibu will be expanding to the outskirts.
“What we have done now is to deliver the initial projects and this will be continued under the 12th Malaysia Plan. The cost for the projects is being worked out,” he said.
When completed, the town will have a circular road linking it to Kapit and Kuching under the coastal road which cut travelling time to about three to four hours.
Among those accompanying him were Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian and Education and Technological Research Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee.—DayakDaily
