SIBU: According to the statement by Wong Ching Yong, the chairman of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Dudong branch, the application to upgrade Jalan Pulau Dudong has been approved under the 12th Malaysian Mid-Term Review.
The project is estimated to cost RM40 million. Wong mentioned that consultants from various disciplines have been appointed for the project.
He expressed hope that the tender for the project will be called soon, followed by the commencement of construction works in the first quarter of the following year.
Jalan Pulau Dudong, which is 7.8 kilometres long, was originally built around 20 years ago but has suffered damage from logging activities over the years.
Wong highlighted that the road repairs carried out previously were inadequate, and the upgrading of Jalan Pulau Dudong will make it an important trunk road connecting Jalan Kong Yik Khim to Sibu Jaya and Sibu Airport.
This improvement is expected to considerably reduce travel time to Sibu Jaya and Sibu Airport.
Wong also mentioned a previous meeting with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, where he presented justifications for various infrastructure projects, including the upgrading of Jalan Pulau Dudong.
Following the meeting, Wong and Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek wrote a letter to the Premier, and Wong later forwarded the letter to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, JKR Sibu, and SRDC to request the necessary approvals.
Wong expressed his gratitude to Premier Abang Johari, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, SRDC, and JKR for their strong support in obtaining the approvals for the projects mentioned, namely the upgrading of Jalan Pulau Dudong and the construction of a new Multi-Purpose Transit Centre in Bukit Tungga, Durin, under the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review.
Additionally, Wong emphasized the importance of fighting for a heart centre and a cancer centre in Sibu, which were important election promises during the campaign for the P211 Lanang parliamentary seat.
Although Wong did not win the election, he hopes that the elected MPs for Lanang and Sibu will work sincerely and diligently to fulfil these promises for the benefit of heart and cancer patients and their families in Sibu.
