Premier highlights major infrastructure projects in northern Sarawak

MIRI (Sept 29): The Sarawak government has long-term plans to improve the livelihood of its people by developing the infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abang Johari stated that with increased revenue, the government can spend more on building infrastructure as a way of giving back to its people.

He reiterated that developments, such as those in the northern part of Sarawak, are part of the government’s direction focusing on infrastructure. He pointed out that Marudi bridge, which connects Miri to Marudi, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

“Thereafter, Marudi will be connected to ‘Long-Long’ (smaller villages that are in the vicinity of Marudi) and the last one would be Long Terawan, the village nearest to Mulu, which will be the last village connected in the road infrastructure project.

“The whole project will require an expenditure of around RM2 billion, which will be borne by the Sarawak government, and it is expected to be complete in about four years,” said Abang Johari in his welcoming remarks during a state banquet held at a leading hotel here yesterday.

The state banquet was held to welcome Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who visited Miri over the weekend.

After the roads are completed, Abang Johari said a road will be built to connect Limbang through Miri, straight towards Brunei Darussalam.

He explained that even though this part of the road was excluded from the Pan Borneo Highway project, the Sarawak government assumed responsibility for it, as it feels that this part of the road is very important to maintain a friendly diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and Brunei.

“After Brunei, the road will be built towards Limbang and Lawas, areas known as Northern Development Territory, and the project will require about RM6 billion.

“Once these roads are completed, so will the electric and water utilities, which are also ongoing. A power plant in Miri will generate 500 megawatts of electricity, which will be channelled to rural areas in the northern part of Sarawak – an effort by the government to improve the livelihood of the people, he added.

Abang Johari emphasised that political stability has been a key driver of the state’s progress and expressed hope that Sarawak’s steady governance can contribute to stabilising the nation as a whole, ultimately paving the way for sustained economic growth.

“Some attribute the strengthening of the ringgit to the US reducing interest rates. However, that is not the only factor. There are other factors such as the confidence people have in the direction of our economy and the political stability that we have.

“I can assure you that Sarawak will strengthen this. Whatever strength that we have, Sarawak will share with the whole of Malaysia,” he added.

Also present were Dewan Negara President Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah; State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri; Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail; Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; as well as distinguished guests and dignitaries.