Premier: Sarawak building roads as safer alternative to helicopters for rural healthcare

Abang Johari (right) listening to a briefing from youth trainees before officiating the Sarawak Semiconductor Flagship Talent Development Ecosystem ceremony at Centexs Santubong on Sept 15, 2026.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Sept 15: Sarawak is aggressively expanding its road network, including upgrading former logging roads into State roads, as part of efforts to provide a safer and more sustainable alternative for rural and remote communities that currently depend on air transport for healthcare access.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said improved road connectivity would improve access to essential services while reducing reliance on helicopters, particularly in the aftermath of the recent Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash near Long Lellang that claimed the lives of four healthcare personnel and a pilot.

“One is the Flying Doctor Service. Secondly, I am thinking of practical alternatives without the need to use helicopters unless there is a critical emergency,” he told reporters after officiating the Sarawak Semiconductor Flagship Talent Development Ecosystem ceremony at Centexs Santubong today.

He said Sarawak had taken over the stretches of logging roads statewide for upgrading, including routes in the Ulu Baram and Marudi areas, to improve accessibility for rural communities.

“That is why we are constructing roads. We have taken over logging roads and are upgrading them, including in Ulu Baram and Marudi,” he said.

Abang Johari said road construction in Baram was ongoing and would eventually lessen the need for helicopter services.

“With roads, I believe we will no longer have to depend on helicopters. This will be safer for the people,” he said.

He noted that many of the infrastructure projects were being financed using Sarawak’s own resources, describing them as part of the State’s commitment to improving development and quality of life, particularly in remote regions.

The Premier said Sarawak was targeting completion of the road projects by 2030, including 142 kilometres of JKR R3-standard roads and a further 5,000 kilometres of road links statewide.

“It involves 142 kilometres of JKR R3 roads. Combined with another 5,000 kilometres, it will take time and we are targeting completion by 2030,” he said.

He pointed to the Sibu-Kapit route as an example of how improved connectivity had transformed travel patterns, with residents no longer relying solely on express boats as they once did.

“Once all the longhouses and villages are connected by roads, it does not matter whether it is day or night. People will be able to access healthcare services at any time,” he said.

Abang Johari added that Sarawak would continue funding strategic infrastructure projects even if federal allocations were delayed, expressing hope that growing State revenue would enable more development benefits to be channelled back to the people.

“We hope Sarawak’s income will continue to increase and that the returns can be given back to the people (through development projects such as these),” he said. — DayakDaily