RM240mil in federal projects, mega highway push, and Kapit road safety concerns raised at RECODA meeting

Abang Johari (centre) chairs the 17th RECODA Board Meeting, where members discussed RM240 million in federal-funded infrastructure projects for 2025, progress of the Northern Coastal Highway, and rural road safety issues in Kapit. Photo credit: Alexander Nanta Linggi / Facebook

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 11: Sarawak’s development drive, including RM240 million worth of federal-funded infrastructure projects, took centre stage at the 17th Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) Board Meeting chaired by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday (June 10).

In a Facebook post, Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the meeting held at Satria Pertiwi Complex reviewed the rollout of 10 strategic infrastructure projects under the federal government for 2025, alongside broader development efforts across Sarawak’s key growth agencies under RECODA.

The discussion also covered major regional development initiatives under the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA), Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), and Highland Development Authority (HDA), which continue to push infrastructure expansion in Sarawak’s interior and coastal regions.

A key highlight was the progress of the Northern Coastal Highway (NCH), a flagship project expected to reshape connectivity across northern Sarawak and accelerate economic activity along the route.

However, amid the development updates, Nanta also brought attention to a pressing rural safety concern — the Jiwa Murni Project road from Nanga Mujong to Nanga Merit in Kapit, which he said has already claimed lives due to its hazardous conditions.

He stressed the urgent need for upgrading works, particularly for stretches heavily used by communities in Pala Wong, Nanga Merit, and Nanga Pila, who depend on the road as their main lifeline for daily travel, access to services, and movement of goods.

The minister urged for faster intervention to ensure rural infrastructure does not lag behind development ambitions, especially where safety is already at risk.

Also present were Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas and other RECODA board members. — DayakDaily