By Karen Bong
MIRI, Sept 29: The Sarawak government is committing at least RM8 billion to road construction projects in the Miri region, aiming to connect the entire interior, extending to Long Terawan and further towards Limbang and Lawas.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg shared that a toll-free bridge linking Miri to Marudi is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“Once the bridge is finished, Marudi will be linked to all the ‘long long’ in the interior areas, all the way to Long Terawan at the furthest end near to Mulu. This will require an investment of over RM2 billion and is projected to be completed in four years.
“The road will extend towards Limbang, bypassing Miri through Brunei. We have discussed this with the Sultan of Brunei. Although this project was excluded from the Pan Borneo Highway, we informed the Sultan that Sarawak will proceed with constructing the road from Miri through Brunei to Limbang and Lawas,” he said during an official banquet in conjunction with the visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held in a hotel here last night (Sept 28).
Abang Johari highlighted that the project, initially dropped in 2022 under the previous federal government, has now been taken over by Sarawak to improve connectivity and strengthen ties between Malaysia and Brunei.
He further explained that the road network from Limbang to Lawas, under the Northern Region Development Agency’s coastal road initiative, will require an additional RM6 billion in funding.
In addition to these infrastructure upgrades, a new 500-megawatt power plant is under construction in Miri.
All these projects are funded by Sarawak government to enhance infrastructures and improve links between Miri and Brunei Darussalam.
“I highlighted these so the Prime Minister understands the financial burden on Sarawak. However, we must work together to provide the best services to the people in the northern region. Once the roads are completed, we will also ensure water and electricity supply along the way,” he said, emphasising that Baram, which is as large as Pahang, will also benefit from these improvements.
Abang Johari stressed the importance of a long-term plan to develop infrastructure in the southern region, particularly linking to Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, near Pontianak.
“With increased revenue, we are giving back to the people by enhancing infrastructure in the region,” he said, noting that while Sarawak’s revenue has grown, so too has the government’s expenditure on infrastructure.
With stability, he expressed hope that Sarawak will continue to contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth, particularly as the nation shows signs of recovery thanks to its stable political climate and clear economic direction.
“I assure you, Sarawak will continue to share its strengths with Malaysia, and we hope the Federal government will accelerate development in the region,” he added. — DayakDaily
