By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 11: The Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) Phase 2, which will connect Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei Darussalam, represents not only a vital development for northern Borneo but also Sarawak’s contribution to regional growth within Asean.
Speaking at the launch of the RM7.15 billion, 335-kilometre project in Nanga Medamit, Limbang, Abang Johari Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that the SSLR2 would provide essential infrastructure to accelerate socio-economic activities in the northern region.
“We want to provide basic infrastructure to the people who should be connected with good roads so that economic activities taking place in the northern region can be carried out smoothly. I want to take this opportunity to thank the federal government for implementing this project,” he said in the event which was streamed live via Ukas Channel today.
The mega project is officially officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Noting the missing link in SSLR, Abang Johari highlighted that the gap would be addressed with the close cooperation between the federal and Sarawak governments.
“Sarawak has development plans for the northern region. This road will connect Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei Darussalam.
“This is an important connectivity for the development within Asean in which the Prime Minister is the chairman this year. This is Sarawak’s contribution to Asean,” he said, adding that the improved road network would boost integration among the three regions of Borneo.
Abang Johari also affirmed that Sarawak would expand connectivity beyond SSLR2, including developing a road from Marudi in Baram to Mulu, linking with SSLR2 and creating a loop from Miri to Lawas and onwards to Sabah.
Additionally, Mount Buda would be connected to Mulu, further enhancing accessibility and tourism potential.
“This is our approach to accelerate the development in the northern region of Sarawak, including Baram. With the close collaboration and mutual understanding between federal and Sarawak governments, we can deliver the best service to the people of Malaysia,” he stressed.
He also underscored that alongside roads, Sarawak was prioritising electricity and water supply to the northern region.
The Sarawak government has allocated funds to Sarawak Water to implement these utilities, which, together with improved road networks, would strengthen economic sectors such as tourism and agriculture.
“In conjunction with Malaysia Day on Sept 16, Sarawak will be with Malaysia to build a successful and prosperous Malaysia,” Abang Johari said, expressing hope that the Prime Minister would continue visiting Sarawak to witness development efforts across the State.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, Minister of Works and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Minister of Transport and Limbang MP Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Ir Dr Cassidy Morris were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
