Landowners help kickstart RM75 mln Musi–Buso Road project ahead of full payment

Harry (third left) presents the cheque to one of the recipients during the presentation ceremony held at Kampung Musi Hall, Bau on Jan 19, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

BAU, Jan 19: Landowners along Jalan Musi–Buso have allowed construction to begin even before full compensation was disbursed, enabling the RM75 million road upgrade to move ahead faster and improve connectivity in Bau.

Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Dato Henry Harry Jinep, who is also the Tasik Biru assemblyman, said cheques amounting to RM4,070,679.70 were handed over to 78 landowners today as part of the first phase of land acquisition payments.

The total compensation for the project exceeds RM11 million, with the remaining balance expected to be paid before Chinese New Year on Feb 17.

Harry speaks during the presentation of compensation cheques for Musi-Buso Road upgrading project held at Kampung Musi Hall, Bau on Jan 19, 2026.

“We are very grateful to the landowners because, even though the compensation has not been fully handed over, they have not hesitated to give their full support to our side, the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) and the Land and Survey Department.

“I promise that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government will pay the compensation; they just need to wait for the cheques to be prepared. But they don’t hesitate—they say, ‘Okay, let’s start.’,” Harry told reporters after the cheque presentation at Kampung Musi Hall.

Following the landowners’ cooperation, he said the project could proceed earlier, even without full payment.

“It’s rare to have this kind of cooperation, but the landowners want development. They hand over the land before receiving compensation, giving us space to start the project.

“This is a very good situation for development, especially in rural areas,” he added.

Harry (sixth left) in a group photo with all guests and cheque recipients during the presentation of compensation cheques for Musi-Buso Road upgrading project held at Kampung Musi Hall, Bau on Jan 19, 2026.

The two-lane single carriageway project, spanning 7.5 kilometres, started in December last year and is expected to take about two years to complete.

Once finished, it will improve travel between Bau, the Pan Borneo Highway and Kuching, while providing alternative routes to ease congestion in Bau town.

Meanwhile, Kuching Division Land and Survey Superintendent Awang Nazri Awang Saperi said the department had completed surveys, investigations and compensation processing for the 7.5-kilometre stretch, covering approximately 19.57 hectares, within six months.

The project affects a total of 115 land lots, with more than 150 landowners involved.

Henry added that the Musi and Buso areas are earmarked for mixed development under the Bau Masterplan, and the upgraded road is expected to encourage residential, commercial and light industrial growth. — DayakDaily