CONSTRUCTION of the Sarawak-Sabah Highway by-passing Brunei at the northern Sarawak section has been listed as a top priority project.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the state government wants this project started soonest and completed within the next five years during the 13th Malaysia Plan period.
Speaking during this working visit to Marudi town, 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 a top priority project to be completed inside the 13th MP," he said.
The Sarawak Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) chief executive officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni had said the Miri to Marudi to Mulu, Long Lama and Long Panai portion will begin construction in the third quarter of this year.
In his recent updates on these road projects for this new year, he said these new links will open up vast opportunities for rural growth.
"These new road links will enhance rural connectivities in the northern corridor.
"They will also open up new opportunities for rural transformations.
"This year will see more developments earmarked for construction with federal and state fundings," he said.
The construction of the Sarawak to Sabah Highway bypassing Brunei is already on fast-track construction following the new federal Budget approval of RM 7.4 bil fundings, confirmed the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sarawak recently.
Its president Kong Chiong Ung said that based on latest information, this Sarawak-Sabah highway has four work packages confirmed already.
"The contracts for two packages of works for this very crucial Sarawak-Sabah link have already been awarded.
"The remaining two packages of works are also already finalised and the contracts will be sealed.
"This direct Sarawak-Sabah link will transform the socio-economic future of east Malaysia.
"The Pan Borneo Highway is already changing the socio-economic landscape in Sarawak now,” he added. - January 18, 2025
