Continuous infrastructure dev’t for northern Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR: The northern part of Sarawak will continue to receive infrastructure development, assured the state government.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that Kapit, once a remote area, had undergone significant transformation and could now be reached in about one hour and 20 minutes by car from Sibu.

“This is the change that has occurred in Kapit. So much so that during my last visit, there were requests for smart traffic lights there due to congestion on the roads.

“Besides that, we are building a new road through the old airport heading towards Kapit.

“And God willing, in the new year, the construction of a three-star hotel in Kapit will begin. This means Kapit is becoming a hub for Sarawak,” he said.

Abang Johari was speaking  during the 15th edition of Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) 2024 Townhall session held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here yesterday (Oct 19).

He also mentioned  the ongoing road construction projects aimed at connecting Nanga Baleh and continuing through to Belaga, ultimately linking  the Pan Borneo Highway.

In response to questions about the development plans for Lawas, Abang Johari said that the area had experienced considerable growth and that the Northern Region Development Agency was overseeing new projects there.

“We will build roads from Miri through Brunei  and directly to Limbang. There is also the development of a bridge across Sungai Limbang, which will connect Limbang to Lawas.

“The dual carriageway that is being constructed in the northern region, specifically the Northern Highway, will have four lanes. Since Lawas has many hills, we are creating something similar to Cape Town in South Africa,” he said.

He added there would also be private investment in resort development in Kuala Lawas, which would contribute to the tourism sector.

“Earlier, I mentioned the connection from Belaga to the Pan Borneo Highway, which means you can see the overall development of northern Sarawak that we are currently planning.

“By 2030 to 2033, all of these will be completed, and Sarawak will be equipped with basic amenities throughout the state,” he said.