Sarawak mulls upgrading Sg Asap to Apau Koyan district to boost rural development

KUCHING (March 19): The Sarawak government is considering a proposal to upgrade Sungai Asap sub-district to Apau Koyan district as part of efforts to enhance administrative efficiency and service delivery at the grassroots level.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg explained that the proposal is not merely a change in administrative status, but a strategic move to strengthen government service delivery, accelerate development, and provide more focused attention to the needs of the local community.

“With this upgrade, we will be able to plan development in a more structured manner, enhance local administration capacity, and create more economic opportunities for the local community,” he said in his 2026 Hari Raya Aidilfitri message.

The Premier stressed that the Sarawak government remains committed to ensuring that rural and interior areas are not left behind in the development process.

“Every area has its own potential, and it is our responsibility to maximise that potential for the well-being of the people,” he added.

Meanwhile, a funding ceiling of RM57.327 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) has been approved to develop public facilities at the Integrated Administrative Complex in Mulu, Marudi district.

The development, he said, aims to strengthen government service delivery in rural areas and support local economic growth, particularly in Mulu and surrounding areas.

Abang Johari said the new administrative and public facilities will ensure residents have access to services that are more efficient, systematic, and effective.

In addition, he said the Sarawak government is implementing road construction projects linking Miri–Marudi, Marudi–Mulu (Kuala Melinau), and Long Lama–Long Panai, involving approximately 142km of new roads to connect missing links.

“The construction of these roads will enhance connectivity, improve accessibility, and stimulate socio-economic development in the interior areas of Baram and Marudi.

“It is expected to benefit approximately 75,000 residents in Marudi, Telang Usan, and Mulu, particularly by improving travel safety and providing easier access to healthcare and education,” he said.

He added that the projects also improve access to Gunung Mulu National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, supporting tourism growth and strengthening regional integration through its connection with the Sabah–Sarawak Link Road.