Coastal road projects set for completion by 2025

BALINGAN: Three transportation infrastructure projects along the state coastal road from Mukah to Bintulu Divisions are expected to be fully completed by 2025, according to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

In a statement on Wednesday (Aug 7), he revealed that the construction packages, which cost RM1.614 billion and cover 136.95km, include three major bridges: Paloh, Batang Igan and Muara Lassa.

The Paloh and Batang Igan bridges are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025, while the Muara Lassa Bridge is expected to be finished by the end of this year.

“Once completed, motorists travelling along this stretch will no longer need to use ferry crossings.”

For the two stretches along this road that need upgrading, he announced that JKR headquarters had allocated RM16 million for the works, which will commence as soon as a contractor is appointed.

Uggah, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), is currently on a five-day trip by road, which began on Monday.

His first destination was Miri Division, followed by Bintulu on Tuesday, and Wednesday, Mukah (Balingian).

On Thursday, Uggah will be in Kapit before returning to Sibu and then heading to Sarikei Division on Friday.

Accompanying him are his deputy, Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, Sarawak JKR director Dr Cassidy Morris, and MIPD permanent secretary Datuk Chiew Chee Yaw.

“We are covering almost 80 per cent of the state’s area. My deputy Aidel had covered the Limbang/Lawas areas much earlier.

“In Miri and Bintulu, we had very good engagement with the elected representatives of rural constituencies in these divisions.

“They provided feedback on the implementation of rural transformation projects in their respective areas and valuable information on the need to upgrade abandoned or inactive logging roads, build new ones, as well as bridges and river crossings.”

Uggah added that this data would be highly relevant to both JKR and MIPD for future planning to ensure a comprehensive rural connectivity programme for Sarawak.

“We aim to be a developed region by 2030. But there are villages and longhouses, especially in the interiors of Miri and Kapit, that still need roads. We want them to be linked up by 2030. We are moving forward with this colossal task.”

Regarding sick or critically sick projects, Uggah mentioned that most issues have been resolved, although two state projects and three federal projects are still considered sick.

“We are strict on project deliverance. Contractors who fail to deliver will face stern actions, including contract termination.”

He further highlighted the significant improvements in the state infrastructure sector due to the committed efforts of the GPS government.

“We are currently constructing a total of 16 bridges statewide, costing RM4.90 billion, all funded by our own resources. Once completed, it will be possible to travel seamlessly from Kuching to Limbang without the need for ferry crossings,” Uggah added.