Bridges, roads and runways: Game changers for Rajang Valley’s communities

A view from the Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Tuanku Haji Othman Bridge.

By Yvonne T

DARO, Feb 20: Once defined largely by fishing boats and paddy fields, communities across the Rajang Valley are now riding a new tide of opportunity, powered by expanding connectivity and major infrastructure upgrades.

From Kapit to Sibu, Sarikei to Tanjung Manis, a network of bridges, widened roads and airport expansion plans is steadily transforming how people live, work and do business.

Datuk Len Talif Salleh

In Belawai, a coastal town within the Tanjung Manis district, the change is particularly visible. Traditionally dependent on fishing and farming, many residents are now venturing into entrepreneurship and other sectors, supported by better road access and improved infrastructure.

Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said connectivity has been the cornerstone of this transformation.

“Before, it took two and a half hours to reach here. Now it takes about 40 to 45 minutes from Sarikei,” he told the D’Drift team.

He attributed the shift to strategic investments such as the opening of the Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Tuanku Haji Othman Bridge and the Nyelong Bridge, which have significantly improved access into the Tanjung Manis district. Plans to expand the Tanjung Manis airport are also in the pipeline, further strengthening air connectivity.

“That’s why Premer (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) emphasized on connectivity.

“Whether it’s by road, by bridges, or by internet, or by airplane, or by boat. Connectivity is prerequisite for economic development,” he highlighted.

Len Talif, who is also Kuala Rajang assemblyman and Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA) chairman, stressed that improved links between coastal towns are crucial to unlocking economic growth not only along Sarawak’s coastline but throughout the Rajang Valley.

A view of the Tanjung Manis Airport.

Among the key projects underway is the upgrading of the road between Bintangor and Sarikei from R3 to R5 standard, expanding it into a four lane carriageway to handle higher traffic capacity and improve safety.

“That’s the overall snapshot of what we are planning for this. Because overall, what we are looking at is the improvement of the Rajang Valley from Kapit, Sibu, Sarikei, Tanjung Manis. All these infrastructure projects will complement each other,” Len Talif said.

He pointed to global examples where sustained investment in infrastructure has spurred economic take off.

“We have seen places like China spend heavily on infrastructure. This is what we have to do. As long as the infrastructure is good and accessibility is there, it allows products to reach the market,” he said.

Improved access, he added, does not just connect villages to nearby towns or to Kuching, but opens pathways to national and international markets.

“All these infrastructures are game changers,” Len Talif said. – DayakDaily