KUCHING: A plantation road linking Kampung Gedong and Kampung Semalatong in Simunjan is being upgraded at a cost of RM250 million, paid for by the Sarawak government.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the 26-km road project will include construction of two bridges along the route and will reduce travel distance between the two areas as well as to neighbouring towns.
Currently, he said, it takes more than an hour to travel from Kampung Gedong to Kampung Samalatong.
“With the upgrading of the plantation road, it will provide an alternative route and most importantly, shorten the travel time to 30 minutes.
“This is part of the government’s efforts to connect all the remote areas in Gedong and Simunjan to the main road network in Sarawak,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also Gedong assemblyman, said this when officiating at the ground-breaking ceremony of the plantation road today.
He said, once completed, it will also open access to many areas and boost mobility while enhancing the economic sectors such as agriculture and tourism.
“The road will pass through potential agriculture areas, which will create more activities and opportunities for the locals there. Of course, once an area has better road connectivity, it will boost its tourism sector as well.
“If Sibu is famous for its ‘Kampua’ noodles, the ‘Mi Udang Gumpey’ (prawn noodles) is a potential tourism product in Gedong, to attract more visitors,” he said.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, State Secretary Datuk Seri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Aidel Lariwoo, Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, International Trade and Investment Ministry advisor Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, who is also former Gedong assemblyman were among those who present.
