Traffic congestion in Kapit shows devt reaching rural areas

KUCHING: The state government will continue to intensify efforts to ensure the rural areas of Sarawak are equipped with basic infrastructure and facilities. 
 
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government carried out a holistic approach to development whereby 70 per cent of allocations were channelled to rural areas. 
 
“We have received reports that there is traffic congestion in rural areas like Kapit and areas where we have developed the road connectivity network during this year’s Gawai. 
 
“This illustrates how our development efforts, including equipping our longhouses with 24-hour electricity supply through the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES), have reached the rural areas. 
 
“It is the state government’s hope for this infrastructure and facilities to be developed (throughout Sarawak) so that there is no difference between the urban and rural areas,” he said. 
 
He said this at the Majlis Rumah Terbuka Hari Gawai Dayak 2023 today (June 1) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.
 
Earlier, photos and videos of the heavy traffic in Kapit went viral on social media platforms as motorists were returning to their respective villages and longhouses for the Gawai celebration.
 
With good roads, more people are opting to drive to Kapit as compared to when express boats were still in service. 
 
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