‘Missing link’ road to boost connectivity between Bintangor and Sibu

SIBU (Feb 14): The proposed Jalan Nanga Bangkit/Muara Lebaan–Jalan Sibu/Tanjung Manis ‘missing link’ project is set to enhance connectivity for residents between Bintangor and Sibu once completed.

Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Len Talif Salleh said the project would benefit communities in Sungai Sian, Selemas and Kampung Bundung in Bintangor, providing them with road access to Sibu via the Lebaan Bridge.

“Previously, RM45 million was approved under the leadership of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem for the construction of a road to Tanjung Manis from Sarikei.

“However, the allocation was insufficient. As such, the RM45 million was utilised to upgrade Jalan Rentap in Sarikei, from Sarikei Bridge to Sarikei Hospital,” he told reporters at the presentation of land compensation cheques, Bumiputera Communal Reserve Gazette under Section 6 of the Sarawak Land Code, and land titles under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code at the Sibu Islamic Complex Hall on Saturday.

Len Talif, who is also Belawai assemblyman, said the next phase involves developing the approximately 5km stretch from Selemas to Lebaan, with an estimated allocation of over RM80 million.

He stressed that the project is crucial, particularly for residents across Bintangor town who currently rely on the Sungai Sian ferry service to travel to Bintangor.

The project, he added, forms part of a broader road network. He noted that last year the Premier of Sarawak officiated at the opening of the Tunku Bujang Bridge at Jalan Pasi in Sarikei, which will complement the planned road link and enhance connectivity for communities across Bintangor.

Len Talif said the project is expected to be completed within 30 months, subject to the land compensation process in the Sarikei Division.

Earlier, representing Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, he presented land compensation cheques totalling RM9,312,149.96 to 92 landowners affected by three government development projects.

Of the total amount, 32 landowners received RM3,256,768 for the Jalan Oya Phase II upgrading project.

A further 44 landowners received RM5,209,162.70 for the link road project from Taman Permai to Jalan Ulu Sungai Merah.

Meanwhile, 16 landowners were paid RM846,219.26 for the Jalan Nanga1 Bangkit/Muara Lebaan–Jalan Sibu/Tanjung Manis ‘missing link’ project.

At the same event, Len Talif handed over the Bumiputera Communal Reserve Gazette under Section 6 of the Sarawak Land Code to 59 longhouses in Sibu and Selangau divisions, covering a total area of 13,119 hectares.

A total of 85 individuals also received land titles under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code, involving 242 hectares.

Also present were Selangau MP Edwin Banta,Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang, Daro assemblyman Dr Safiee Ahmad, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman and Sibu Division Land and Survey Department superintendent Chua Soh Kee.