KUCHING: Any lingering doubts about Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s obligation to further develop Satok were put to rest when he reaffirmed his commitment to bring development to his former constituency.
The Chief Minister said although he was now the elected representative for Gedong, he would never forget Satok, the constituency that he had served since 1981.
“I will never forget Satok. I decided to go to Gedong on the request of Datuk Naroden Majais (former Gedong assemblyman) to develop the rural areas and upon getting the green light from the people in Satok to serve in Gedong.
“I already have plans to develop Gedong and Simunjan, including right up to Lingga, Sadong Jaya and Sebuyau,” he said in his speech at an appreciation dinner organised by Pertubuhan Anak Seni Bandarsah Kuching (PASBK) at a hotel here on Sunday (Jan 23).
Abang Johari said the coastal road that was being built would open up the agriculture, services and tourism sectors.
“God willing, the journey from Gedong to Satok will not take long in the future as our plan is to build a new road and once this is completed, the journey from Gedong to Satok will only take about 40 minutes,” he said.
He also said the state government was developing the road from Sebuyau to Lingga.
“So from Lingga to Sri Aman and when we take the coastal road to Sibu, following the completion of the bridge, it will only take two and a half hours to arrive in Sibu,” he said.
Abang Johari said the state government had also allocated RM400 million for the construction of the coastal embankment to prevent intrusion of saltwater into Sebangan and Sebuyau so that more new species of coconut could be cultivated and exported.
He reiterated that the government was developing the rural areas to increase their economic activities.
On development in Satok, he said a waterfront from the Kampung No 3 to Satok Waterfront would be built.
“This has already been planned and once this is completed, Satok will be a tourism attraction in Kuching since we already have the Satok Suspension Bridge and Darul Hana Bridge,” he said.
Abang Johari the ongoing development included the waterfront project from Kampung Sungai Bedil to Kampung Tanjong and right up to Kampung Tupong.
“When this is fully completed, both sides of the waterfront will be illuminated and the whole area of Satok will be very beautiful,” he said.
He said the whole of Sarawak would be developed according to plan which would it into one of the most developed states with high-income status by 2030.
“Most importantly, our government should remain strong and our politics remains stable for continued development,” he said.
