Second Trunk Road: New Btg Samarahan Bridge-Btg Sadong Bridge road to start construction in 2024

Abdul Karim spraying water to the children who participated in the Sunathon 2.0 programme at An-Najah Mosque, Asajaya on Dec 17, 2023.

By Shikin Louis

ASAJAYA, Dec 17: A new dual carriageway road from Batang Samarahan Bridge to Batang Sadong Bridge under Second Trunk Road (STR) will start construction next year, says Asajaya assemblyman Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He was referring to a new road involving a distance of 21km under the STR project, a shorter route sandwiched between the existing Coastal Road Network and the Pan Borneo Highway.

“The project is already awarded to Hock Seng Lee Berhad (HSL),” he said after officiating the Sunathon 2.0 programme at An-Najah Mosque.

Progress of Second Trunk Road project as of May 6, 2023.

Under the STR project, the construction of the Batang Samarahan-Batang Sadong road will be divided into two sub-packages, namely Package A1-A (proposed construction of new Batang Samarahan Bridge + 9km road) and Package A1-B (Batang Samarahan-Batang Sadong).

Abdul Karim, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, further said ongoing development projects in Asajaya include RM300 million flood mitigation canal connecting Batang Samarahan and Batang Sadong and Tambirat Waterfront Phase 2 worth over RM100 million.

Other minor projects include flood mitigation systems in coastal villages to resolve erosion and high tide problems, widening access roads in all villages, and installing street lamps.

“The street lamps are being installed at protocol roads and important areas such as jetties and places of worship frequented by the local folk at night,” he added.

Abdul Karim (centre) flanked by Sarawak General Surgery Specialist Nik Azim Nik Abdullah (left) and Asajaya Health Clinic’s Family Medical Specialist Dr Sii Kia Miang during the press conference at An-Najah Mosque, Asajaya on Dec 17, 2023.

There were over 80 boys circumcised during the Sunathon 2.0 programme organised by Asajaya Health Clinic in collaboration with Samarahan Division Health Office, Sarawak General Hospital, Sarawak Heart Centre, An-Najah Mosque, Asajaya Fire Station and Komuniti Sihat Perkasa Negara (Kospen) Asajaya branch. — DayakDaily