KUCHING, May 31 — Sarawak will be well-connected when its major road networks would be completed by 2025, Infrastructure and Port Development Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said in his Gawai Dayak message today.
He said apart from the Pan Borneo Trunk Road, the state government is in the midst of implementing the Second Trunk Road and Coastal Highway projects costing a total of RM11 billion.
“The package includes 11 bridges, costing RM4 billion. These are all expected to be ready by 2025,” Uggah, who is also the deputy premier, said.
“In addition, under the Projek Rakyat, my ministry has been entrusted to implement 229 projects with a total cost of RM9.06 billion,” he said.
He said they comprise 121 road projects, 50 bridges, 53 buildings, four jetties and the Bebuling airport.
He said 98 out of the 229 projects have been completed, 53 are under construction and 78 are currently at the pre-contract stage.
“Upon their full completion, they will generate economic growth and improve the overall living standard of the people,” Uggah said.
He added the Sabah/Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) Phase 1 construction has begun.
He said the construction of the 398-km long road is divided into four phases and will connect Miri, Limbang and Lawas.
“As of April 2023, the SSLR Phase 1 construction is on schedule and is expected to be completed by January, 2026,” he said.
He said in the last 60 years, Sarawak had undergone a major transformation in terms of socio-economic development in communications, health, education, economic and social sectors.
“Our poverty rate had dropped from 47.8 per cent in 1976 to 9 per cent in 2019,” he said, adding that the state had achieved a 97.9 per cent electrification rate and 67.2 per cent water supply rate in rural areas.
