Sarawak seeks RM38.4 bln for rural roads, another RM21.3 bln for infrastructure boost in 13MP

KUCHING (Oct 30): Sarawak needs at least RM38.4 billion to build new and upgrade existing roads in the rural areas, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said more than 1,300 rural settlements in Sarawak still lack road access to their villages.

“Therefore, we need to construct 1,292km of new roads and upgrade 4,782 km of existing roads at a total cost of RM38.4 billion,” he said.

His text speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the Engagement Session for the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) here today, which was also attended by federal Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli.

Providing further details, Abang Johari noted that more than 86,000 households are still without access to treated water.

“Sarawak requires an allocation of RM20 billion to achieve 100 per cent treated water coverage,” he said.

It is also estimated that over 5,500 households are still without electricity supply, he added.

“Sarawak needs an allocation of RM1.3 billion to achieve 100 per cent 24-hour electricity supply in rural areas,” he said.