By Karen Bong
SRI AMAN, Oct 31: Sarawak has approved RM334 million for the construction of an approximately 9km dual carriageway linking the Pan Borneo Highway junction to Sri Aman, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity to the growing town.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the project was among the major infrastructure developments planned to support Sri Aman’s expansion and strengthen its links with other parts of the region.
He said the existing road from the Pan Borneo Highway junction into Sri Aman was relatively narrow and increasingly inadequate to accommodate growing traffic as the town continued to develop.
“The existing road is a bit narrow. With the dual carriageway, access to Sri Aman will be easier,” he said during a press conference after officiating the Sarawakku Sayang programme for Sri Aman Division at the Sri Aman Sports Complex today, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.
Abang Johari said the project was expected to take three to four years to complete, with the improved road network targeted to be in place by 2030.
He said the dual carriageway would complement other major connectivity projects, including Batang Lupar Bridge 2, the Lingga Bridge and the Second Trunk Road, linking Sri Aman with Sebuyau, Lingga, Betong and beyond.
He noted that the opening of Batang Lupar Bridge 2 to traffic, followed by the Lingga Bridge, would further improve accessibility between Sri Aman and surrounding areas, including Engkilili and Lubok Antu.
With these connections, he said, Sri Aman and Simanggang would no longer be isolated, as the improved road network would provide more direct links to Kuching and neighbouring divisions.
“The enhanced connectivity would also support the development of Sri Aman as a long-term growth centre, particularly in agriculture and tourism,” he added.
For agriculture, he said the government had identified a site of about 2,000 hectares in Banting, Lingga, for paddy cultivation.
“Tourism, particularly eco-tourism, was another sector with considerable potential, given the attractions around Bukit Begunan, parts of Balai Ringin, Sri Aman and Lubok Antu,” he shared.
Abang Johari also revealed that the government was also planning a major urban expansion near Batang Lupar Bridge 2, including a new, more urban-style settlement with administrative facilities.
“The proposed development would be located near the existing waterfront, which would be extended towards the bridge, transforming the urban landscape of Simanggang,” he said.
He emphasised that the combined infrastructure projects would strengthen integration between Sri Aman, Betong, Kuching and Samarahan divisions, creating better opportunities for economic and social development.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak’s development budget had provided for numerous projects extending to 2030, with State revenue reaching RM15.09 billion.
However, he noted that the State government was currently operating in a caretaker capacity and could not approve new projects.
“The government would continue implementing its development plans once the mandate was returned to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). If you return the mandate to us, Sarawak will progress even further,” he said.
Among the distinguished guests present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; and Deputy Minister of International Trade and Investment, who is also the minister in charge of Sarawakku Sayang for Sri Aman Division, Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh. — DayakDaily
