DUN Sarawak: Nanga Pelagus-Bintulu Road expands economic access to the capital

KUCHING, 16 Oct: Road network connectivity from Nanga Pelagus through Merit, Anap and Sangan to Bintulu is proposed as a strategic economic corridor to connect Kapit and Sarawak's rural areas with industrial facilities and ports in Bintulu.

Member of the Adun State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) Pelagus, Wilson Nyabong Ijang said that the route is not just a rural highway but a strategic link which could potentially expand market access and facilitate movement of goods.

"This proposed exhibition should be recognized not only as a rural highway, but also as a strategic economic corridor connecting Kapit and Sarawak's countryside with industrial facilities and ports in Bintulu", he said.

He said this when discussing the Supply Bill (2027), 2026, at the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference today.

According to Wilson, Kapit has great potential in agriculture, agro-processing, farming, food production and value added industries that can be developed through better transportation access.

Meanwhile, he also noted the long-term potential of the route to support regional connections if the road network in future can be continued to the Great Places at Kapit and Long Nawang in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

He said the ties have the potential to open up cross-border trade, investment, tourism and economic cooperation opportunities between Sarawak and Borneo, as well as provide alternative routes to Nusantara, Indonesia's new capital.

Besides reducing logistical barriers, better road network to Bintulu has the potential to expand market access, attract investment and create new business and employment opportunities, especially for youth. - TVS