Sarawak logging road upgrades to be done in phases over 5–6 years, covering 5,700km

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, June 27: The Sarawak government will upgrade logging roads across the State in phases over five to six years, covering a total of about 5,700 kilometres.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative involves restructuring roads that were previously developed under a different arrangement, including those associated with the “Jalan Jiwa Murni” concept under the Ministry of Defence.

He said the earlier approach was intended as a temporary access solution, but was not suitable as a long-term rural road network.

“I was never in favour of the Jalan Jiwa Murni concept because it was only meant as a temporary access road. When we build roads, we must do it properly,” he said when officiating the Sarawakku Sayang Programme in Kapit, broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) on Facebook today.

Abang Johari said the State government has since taken a different approach by upgrading and restructuring rural access roads into a proper, long-term road network under State planning.

He said Kapit alone has about 1,700 kilometres of logging roads, while Baram has about 2,800 kilometres, with other stretches located in Lawas, Limbang and Sri Aman.

“These roads will be upgraded in stages over the next five to six years. It cannot be done all at once because of the scale involved,” he said.

Abang Johari noted that many rural communities, particularly longhouse residents, have long depended on logging roads that are privately managed, and in some cases, restricted or subject to charges.

“The people sometimes have to seek permission from timber companies to use these roads, and in some cases, charges are imposed. This has caused inconvenience to rural communities,” he said.

He stressed that once upgraded, the roads will be integrated into a structured rural road network and made accessible to the public.

“Sarawakian will be able to use these roads free of charge. No toll will be imposed,” he pointed out.

At a press conference later, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas revealed that the government is currently in the final stage of compiling and verifying all logging road alignments before physical upgrading works can be rolled out. — DayakDaily

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