SARAWAK highland folk in remote Lawas, Limbang, Bakelalan constituencies at the Sarawak-Sabah border want an independent committee to monitor progress of the RM8.5 billion transboundary Sarawak-Sabah Highway.
Sarawak Lun Bawang Association chairlady Dolphina Alau said Bakelalan state assemblyman Baru Bian is advocating for independent audit and supervising of the project and the natives fully agree.
"The federal government had allocated another RM 7.4 billion for phase two of the Sarawak-Sabah highway project while RM 1.1 billion had already been allocated for phase one of the construction which started (on the Sarawak side).
"We the natives of northern Sarawak highlands welcome the project that will transform the socio economic landscape of the mountainous border.
"The huge sum of money from the federal government for this crucial project is testimony of its commitment towards rural development in Sarawak,” she said.
Alau called on the state to support the setting up of this independent audit and supervising committee as the federal side had already channelled funds to the state government.
On Jan 18, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the construction of the Sarawak-Sabah Highway by-passing Brunei at the northern Sarawak section was listed as top priority project.
Johari said the state wants this project completed within the next five years during the 13th Malaysia Plan period.
He said travelling from Miri to Marudi into Baram onwards to Limbang and Lawas and to Sabah will become seamless once the Sarawak-Sabah Highway is completed.
"This seamless travel is crucial for our plans to transform this northern Sarawak region into another vibrant socio-economic hub.
"We want to see unimpeded land connections from Miri into the Baram interior to Limbang and Lawas and Sabah.
"This is top priority project to be completed inside the 13th MP," he said. – March 1, 2025
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