S’wak’s ‘Last Mile Mission’ addresses rural gaps, covers 5,977km missing road links

File photo for illustration purposes. Photo credit: Pixabay

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, May 20: The Sarawak government will address the State’s connectivity gaps through the takeover of 5,977km of “last mile roads”, which have been identified for inclusion under the Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS) maintenance programme.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Sarawak’s current road network under the MARRIS maintenance programme totals 40,255km, comprising 38,634km State roads and 1,621km Federal roads, as recorded by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak.

“The increase is largely attributed to the conversion and registration of former logging roads, as well as active and inactive timber roads, into State roads under the government maintenance programme, accounting for a total of 5,977km,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today.

Uggah said the government would continue ensuring all communities in Sarawak have access to basic infrastructure.

He said the “Last Mile Mission” would be implemented in collaboration with JKR Sarawak as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to bridge the remaining connectivity gaps, particularly in rural and remote areas.

The programme focuses on connecting major settlements by road, with many of the existing roads yet to come under government maintenance.

“These roads consist largely of former logging roads and active or inactive timber roads. Although they serve as the only land access for many communities, they have yet to be formally taken over and maintained by the government,” he explained.

Recognising the issue, Uggah said his ministry and JKR Sarawak had undertaken extensive ground assessments and identification works throughout the State to ensure these missing links are properly documented and addressed.

“Through this initiative, a total of 5,977km of ‘last mile roads’ have been identified for government takeover and inclusion under the State Road MARRIS maintenance programme.

“I am pleased to inform this August House that the GPS government has approved a proposal for these roads to be progressively taken over, upgraded, and maintained under the State Road MARRIS road maintenance scheme,” he said.

He added that the initiative would improve safety, comfort, and accessibility for rural communities.

“The ‘Last Mile Mission’ is not merely about building roads, but about connecting the rakyat to economic opportunities, healthcare, education, and essential services,” he added. — DayakDaily