By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 14: Faster project approvals and a defined timeline for the Bau–Kuching Road dual carriageway upgrade are needed to keep rural infrastructure development on track, says Serembu assemblyman Dato Miro Simuh.
Speaking during his debate on the Sarawak Budget 2027 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting, he said some projects in his constituency had been waiting more than a year for approval from the relevant authorities, calling for clearer priorities and timeframes to prevent prolonged delays.
“The relevant authorities must expedite project approvals, not only in my constituency but throughout Sarawak, and ensure that approved projects are implemented efficiently, completed on time and delivered according to the required standards,” he said.
On the Bau–Kuching Road, he said upgrading the existing single carriageway to a dual carriageway was important given the road’s role in connecting Bau and surrounding areas to Kuching for employment, education, healthcare, business and other essential services.
He also pointed to increasing traffic and the growth of residential, commercial and tourism activities as reasons for upgrading the road.
While welcoming the ongoing upgrading works from the Bau–Lundu junction to Bau Town, involving a reported allocation of RM74 million, Miro said the works covered only one section of the overall road network.
“The Bau–Kuching Road is an important route for people travelling to Kuching for work, education, healthcare and business.
“I hope the State government can clarify when the next phases of the upgrading works will proceed, as the RM74 million allocation only covers the section from the Bau–Lundu junction to Bau Town,” he added.
He called on the government to fast-track the remaining phases of the road upgrade and incorporate them into future development plans to accommodate Bau District’s growth.
He also stressed the need for closer monitoring of rural development projects to ensure they are completed on schedule and deliver the intended benefits to local communities.
In May 2025, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that more than RM500 million had been approved for Phase 2 of the Jalan Bau Lama dual-carriageway upgrade. This followed the ongoing Phase 1 project covering 3.65km from the Bau–Lundu junction to Bau Town, which was reported in June 2025 to be behind schedule due to utility relocation and resettlement issues. —DayakDaily
