Sarawak needs nearly RM80 bln for roads, various infrastructure upgrades

Uggah representing Premier to address the 13MP townhall with Sarawak government, organised by Ministry of Economy at a hotel in Kuching on Oct 30, 2024.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Oct 30: Nearly RM80 billion is needed to expedite the development of basic infrastructure and facility upgrades across Sarawak, encompassing roads, water and electricity supply, clinics and hospitals, schools, science laboratories, and telecommunication networks — all essential to improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised the need to build 1,292 kilometres (km) of new roads and upgrade 4,782 km of existing roads, requiring RM38.4 billion.

He noted that over 1,300 rural Sarawak settlements remain without road access.

“More than 86,000 households are still without clean water supply, requiring RM20 billion to reach 100 percent clean water coverage,” he stated in a speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during a townhall on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) with the Sarawak government held at a hotel here today.

Additionally, Abang Johari reported that approximately 5,000 households lack electricity, with RM1.3 billion needed to achieve 24-hour power access across rural areas.

The townhall event, organised by the Malaysia Ministry of Economy and attended by Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli and Deputy Minister Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib, discussed policies, challenges, and developmental aspirations for Sarawak.

On healthcare, which still faces facility and specialist shortages, Abang Johari highlighted a requirement of RM7.89 billion for repair, rebuilding, and upgrades.

Six hospitals, 208 health clinics, 67 staff quarters, and two pharmaceutical offices require rebuilding or significant repairs, while 206 dilapidated clinics need urgent attention.

Addressing education, he noted that RM5.2 billion is necessary to rehabilitate 460 dilapidated schools, with an additional RM54 million required to build science labs in 24 secondary and 585 primary schools.

To position Sarawak as a digital hub in the region, he urged the Federal government to fund the construction of 1,800 telecommunications towers, costing RM6.3 billion, to provide full network coverage.

“We need technologies beyond cellular and satellite to improve broadband in Sarawak and fast fiber optic links to connect Sarawak with neighbouring countries and promote the establishment of hyperscale data centres in the region,” he added.

Abang Johari underscored the importance of federal support for Sarawak’s significant development needs, as the region remains a primary contributor to Malaysia’s economy.

“Sarawak’s prosperity is Malaysia’s prosperity,” he reiterated. — DayakDaily