MIRI: Development projects in the highlands of Sarawak will continue despite the many challenges this poses.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, gave an update on the many ongoing and future projects at the launch of the Nukenen Festival (Bario Food Festival) on today.
Fadillah, who also serves as Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, highlighted the challenges of developing infrastructure in this region.
He drew on his previous experience as the Minister of Public Works.
“This area is so challenging. When I was entrusted as the Minister of Public Works, one of our focuses was to improve infrastructure to facilitate our community’s mobility.
Towards this end he said the Pan Borneo Highway is almost 99 per cent complete.
“Only 1 per cent is pending in Miri due to the relocation of a water pipe.”
He also provided updates on the Sarawak Sabah Link Road (SSLR), noting that phase one is already in progress, with phases two and three awarded to contractors.
“The entire road, once completed, will greatly enhance mobility in the north,” Fadillah said.
He stressed the importance of connecting smaller villages and districts to major roads like the SSLR and the Pan Borneo Highway.
“Our goal is to ensure that even remote areas are accessible.”
“Urban and suburban areas have seen infrastructure improvements, and now our focus is on remote areas,” he said.
Acknowledging the geographical and financial challenges of these projects, Fadillah stated: “The cost of construction will increase, which is why we are implementing this development program gradually.”
He also mentioned plans for a road connecting Ba’kelalan to Bario, which is currently under preliminary study.
“This study will help us determine the cost and design needed, and we aim to include it in the rolling plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan,” he explained.
In addition to his role as minister, Fadillah is responsible for overseeing infrastructure facilities in Sabah and Sarawak.
He committed to addressing the issues raised, including the need to concrete a dirt road with an estimated cost of RM540,000.
Regarding the airport extension in Bario, Fadillah announced that RM27 million has been allocated, with the tender process in its final stages.
“We hope to expedite this and other projects, such as the road from Ba’kelalan to Bario and Long Banga,” he said.
The estimated costs for these projects will be finalised once the necessary studies are concluded.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala and Baram MP Datuk Anyi Ngau.
