Dual carriageway upgrade for Jalan Kuching-Bau to be completed by June 2026, says Aidel

KUCHING (July 24): Work to upgrade Jalan Kuching-Bau to a dual carriageway to accommodate the surge in traffic is expected to be completed by June 2026.

Infrastructure and Port Development Deputy Minister Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said the upgrading works began in February.

“I believe the Public Works Department (JKR) is working hard to coordinate with other agencies, such as the Land and Survey Department and utility agencies to resolve the current issue on the permanent relocation of utilities facilities structure,” he said during a working visit today.

He said the contractor is facing a slight delay due to issues related to the relocation of utility facilities.

The RM74 million project was commissioned by the Sarawak government with the JKR Kuching divisional engineer appointed as superintendent.

Aidel said the 3.65km road will complement the Pan Borneo Highway as a link to Bau town.

Project components include the construction of a new concrete bridge to replace the existing Sungai Tubah bridge and upgrading traffic intersections at Opar and Bau Industrial Park.

Permanent protection and relocation of utilities are being carried out by Sarawak Energy Berhad, Telekom Malaysia, Sacofa, and Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department.

Aidel added the Land and Survey Department will have to work closely with villages that might be affected by the proposed works, such as Kampung Grogo and Kampung Suba Bandar.

Among those present were Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep and Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh.