By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 1: Sarawak is ready to implement border road upgrading projects connecting the State with Kalimantan, Indonesia, which have already been approved by the federal government and are now in the planning stage.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Sarawak had proposed the border road project as part of its long-term strategy to boost connectivity and economic ties with Indonesia, noting that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had in January 2023 announced a RM1 billion allocation for security, infrastructure and border development in Sabah and Sarawak.
“We have held discussions with Kuala Lumpur. The project has been approved, and now it is in the planning phase,” he told reporters when met after officiating Kuching City’s 37th anniversary celebration at Pengkalan Sapi here today.
He added that several potential locations have been identified along Sarawak’s border with Kalimantan, and planning is focused on ensuring smooth connectivity between existing and future road systems.
However, Uggah said he has yet to review the full text of the 13MP tabled by Anwar in Parliament yesterday (July 31) and will reserve further comment until he has studied the document in detail.
Uggah who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak, pointed out that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had announced several strategic road infrastructure projects, including the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road 2 (SSLR2), which supports the overall objective of improving cross-border access.
“Thus, we are thankful. The Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak is ready to carry out all projects approved by the federal government for Sarawak,” he said.
Yesterday, Anwar when tabling the 13MP in Parliament, announced that the federal government will continue implementing key cross-border infrastructure projects to strengthen connectivity and regional economic integration.
Among the projects are the upgrading of the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Kolok Bridge which links Malaysia and Thailand, the upgrading of border road networks connecting Sabah and Sarawak with Kalimantan, Indonesia, the development of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link between Malaysia and Singapore, and the upgrading of the Perlis Inland Port which serves as a key trade route between Malaysia and Thailand.
At the same time, Anwar said the government will also proceed with the upgrading of Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complexes at Bukit Kayu Hitam and Rantau Panjang, as well as CIQ facilities in Sabah and Sarawak. – DayakDaily
