KUCHING: The State’s coastal and second trunk road project worth RM11 billion will help to boost the rural economy and connectivity.
Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg said that in order to open up the rural area and connect the missing link for development and also economic, the coastal road project is crucial.
He added that it was the wish of the late ‘Tok Nan’ that the State develop a road without toll and stop using ferry services in the rural areas.
“The Coastal and second trunk road project is important as it will transform all coastal and rural areas in Sarawak for the development and economic activity.
“The government under my leadership will build the coastal road at whatever cost, as it will benefit all,” he said when officiating the Sarawak Coastal Road Development Seminar 2018 held at Imperial Hotel here yesterday.
Abang Johari also noted that the coastal and second trunk road project would benefit the agricultural industry in the state, especially in rural areas.
“Once the road is there, it will transform the agricultural industry, and at the same time we can boost our rural economy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing said that the construction of the coastal road project involved a total of 11 bridges.
He added that there was a need to build bridges in order to replace the usage of ferries which have been used to connect the roads disconnected by rivers.
“The eleven bridges are Batang Sadong, Batang Samarahan, Batang Rambungan, Batang Lupar, Batang Igan, Batang Rajang, Batang Saribas, Sungai Krian Bridge, Batang Paloh, Muara Lassa Bridge and Kuala Kemena Bridge.
“The total distance of the trunk road is 896 kilometres from Sematan to Miri and is expected to be completed by 2023,” he revealed.
Masing also pointed out that the second trunk road project would be separated into three packages.
The first package will be from Kota Samarahan to Roban, followed by package 2, from Sebuyau to Sri Aman and finally package 3, from Jalan Kelupu/Jalan Tanjung Genting to Lanang Sibu.
He added that package 2 would see the upgrading works of the existing roads.
“The completion of the coastal road project is believed to give high impact to the economy in the coastal areas.
“The positive impact from the current socio economy are the development of rural townships such as Sebuyau New Township, Tanjung Manis and Kidurong Samalaju Industrial Park.
“It is predicted that upon completion, these roads will be connected without ferry services, thus the development of this rural coastal areas will be quickened and organised,” said Masing.
Also present at the event were Assistant Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datu Len Talif Salleh, Assistant Minister for Transportation, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Assistant Minister for Coastal Road, Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Assistant Minister for Corporate Affairs, Abdullah Saidol, Minister for Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Tanjung Datu State Assemblywoman, Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu and Assistant Minister for Native Laws and Customs, Datuk John Sikie Tayai.
