LUBOK ANTU: This town and district have the potential to be another gateway to the centre of Sarawak and thus will be studied and included in the state’s post-Covid-19 economic exit strategy.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this was in view of Lubok Antu’s expanding economy.
“Lubok Antu will be included in the policy just like Tanjong Manis, Bintulu, Kuching, and surrounding areas.
“We need to improve, taking advantage of the Pan Borneo Highway and the soon-to-be-improved telecommunication facilities. This area will be able to generate opportunities to achieve a more developed economy,” he said at Lubok Antu Sports Complex during his official visit to Lubok Antu today.
Seeing the many attractions in the area including the Batang Ai National Park, he said he had approved the construction of a bridge connecting Lubok Antu waterfront to the villages on the other side of Batang Ai.
“I have handed over to matter to the engineers. They will know what type of bridge is suitable,” he said.
Earlier on Batang Ai assemblyman Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh spoke about the risk of accidents if a large bridge is built as there would be no dedicated lane for people to walk.
“We will look into the matter,” said Abang Johari.
About transporting exports from Lubok Antu directly to a port, he said some alternatives would be identified because too many heavy trucks or lorries used regularly would damage the road.
“If the amount of cargoes increases, we will find another way to transport them,” he said, adding that after he became chief minister, he had approved several roads in Batang Ai area.
“I can see that there is an increase in cement production and construction materials going through Lubok Antu. Therefore, we will provide the necessary facilities for the development of the area,” he said.
He said the state government needed to think long-term as Indonesia will develop its new capital city in Kalimantan.
“This means that development will be carried out on the other side of the border and it will spill over to us. What is needed is unity while leaders can plan development to benefit all people regardless of their background,” he said.
