‘Road to Bung Bratak too narrow,’ Deputy Minister proposes 2km village road upgrade under GKCDA

From fourth left: Miro, Ik Pahon, Henry, Billy and Temenggong Atok, alongside other guests, posed for a group photo during the Bung Bratak Day 2026 celebration on May 1.

By Shikin Louis

BAU, May 1: A proposal has been made to upgrade the narrow access road from the Pan Borneo Highway to the foothill of Bung Bratak Heritage Centre via Kampung Tembawang Sauh, following increasing visitor traffic and congestion in the area.

Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the approximately 2km village road is currently a single-lane route and too narrow to accommodate smooth two-way traffic, especially during peak visitor periods.

He said the road should be upgraded into a proper two-lane carriageway and suggested that the project be considered under the second phase of the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA).

“Today we are seeing a large number of visitors, and congestion has already occurred. I have discussed with YB Billy that when funding is available under the second phase of Greater Kuching, we should widen the road from Kampung Tembawang to Bung Bratak,” he said during the Bung Bratak Day celebration held at the site today.

He added that improved road access, together with existing basic utilities such as electricity and water supply, would further strengthen Bung Bratak’s potential as an eco-tourism and heritage destination.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Henry clarified that the proposed road upgrades would only involve the stretch from the Pan Borneo Highway to the foothill area, and not the uphill road leading to the summit.

“The road going up the hill will remain as it is. We encourage hiking instead of driving up, and parking space at the top is also limited,” he added.

He also said that any road upgrading would need to be carefully planned, taking into account fair distribution of funds across multiple villages.

“We cannot concentrate development in just one place. Many villages are in need, so allocations must be shared fairly. If too much is focused here, other areas will still be waiting,” he noted.

Also present were Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang, Serembu assemblyman Dato Miro Simuh, GKCDA chief executive officer Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, Bau District Officer Eddy Nayoi, Temenggong Atok Derop and Bung Bratak Heritage Association chairman Rayan Narong. — DayakDaily