By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 8: Sarikei Division is set to receive RM4.9 billion worth of development projects aimed at transforming its infrastructure, economy and quality of life, says Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
He said the projects covered initiatives under the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), Alternative Funding and Projek Rakyat.
“Overall, the projects that have been and will be implemented in Sarikei Division amount to RM4.9 billion, comprising 34 RADDA projects, 63 12MP projects, 114 Alternative Funding projects and 18 Projek Rakyat,” he said during the Sarawakku Sayang programme for Sarikei Division today, which was broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
He said the development allocation reflected the Sarawak government’s efforts to ensure Sarikei was not left behind as the State pursued balanced and inclusive development under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Len Talif, who is also RADDA chairman, said the establishment of RADDA, announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on June 19, 2022, with an allocation of RM1.5 billion, was expected to further stimulate economic growth in the division.
Among the major infrastructure projects highlighted was the completion of the Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang Bridge last year, which has significantly improved connectivity between Sarikei and Kuala Rajang.
“Previously, people from Kuala Rajang, Pulau Bruit, Daro and Matu took two to three hours to travel to Sarikei. Now it takes only 30 to 45 minutes,” he said.
Len Talif said the improved connectivity was benefiting not only local communities but also the wider central region, including Sibu, Mukah, Kapit, Betong and Sri Aman.
He also revealed three more major projects approved by Abang Johari during the opening of the bridge last year.
These comprise a proposed 1.2km bridge across the Rajang River linking Parit Bugis/Muara Payang and Bukit Puang to Tanah Putih in Sarikei; upgrading the road from Nyelong Bridge to Bintangor Bridge from two lanes to a four-lane dual carriageway over 13km; and constructing an 11km R5 dual carriageway from the Pan Borneo Highway to Simpang Tiga Jalan Pasi Sarikei-Bintangor.
Len Talif said Sarikei’s development would also increasingly focus on new economic opportunities, including ecotourism and the emerging carbon economy.
He said the division was home to the Rajang Mangrove National Park, covering about 9,373 hectares and rich in biodiversity, where a carbon stock assessment was currently being carried out.
“The Blue Carbon Project in Kuala Rajang will provide long-term economic benefits and environmental sustainability. This is a new nature-based economy for the carbon credit market, involving the first and largest mangrove area of its kind in Malaysia,” he said.
He said the project could position Sarikei to benefit from the growing global carbon market while preserving its mangrove ecosystem.
Len Talif also highlighted the gazettement of the 50-hectare Bukit Sebangkoi Nature Reserve under the management of Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), describing it as a potential new tourism destination along the Pan Borneo Highway.
On education, he said Sarikei recorded its best-ever Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) district average grade of 3.69 in 2025, falling below Grade 4 for the first time, with 98 per cent of students qualifying for the certificate.
He also said 576 Year Six pupils who sat for the Ujian Akhir Sesi Akademik (UASA) and Sarawak Dual Language Programme assessment also recorded strong results, including 97 per cent proficiency in English, 95 per cent in Science and 84 per cent in Mathematics.
However, Len Talif said Sarikei still needed further investment in sports, education and healthcare facilities.
He appealed for a covered stadium or covered sports complex for the division, saying it did not need to be as large as the facility in Sibu or even bigger than the one planned for Betong.
He also called for consideration to establish a higher education centre, branch campus or new technical training institution in Sarikei or Tanjung Manis to provide technical and vocational courses for local youth.
On healthcare, Len Talif said Sarikei needed a dialysis centre to serve not only residents of the division but also patients from Kuala Rajang, Pulau Bruit, Daro and Matu.
He said many patients currently had to travel to Sibu for treatment, with the journey taking between two and three hours.
Meanwhile, Len Talif said the Sarawakku Sayang programme had attracted more than 31,000 visitors by the second day, exceeding the original three-day target of 30,000.
He said about 21,000 people attended on the first day alone, while another 10,000 had attended by the time of his speech today.
The Sarawakku Sayang programme, themed “Jaga Sarawak, Intu Sarawak, Sayang Sarawak”, serves as a platform for the Sarawak government to engage directly with communities while showcasing government services, development projects and policies. — DayakDaily
