BARIO: Major infrastructure upgrades under the Highland Development Agency (HDA) are helping to transform the interior of northern Sarawak, significantly improving connectivity and livelihoods of the people in the area.
In conjunction with the 2025 Pesta Nukenen Bario, held from July 24 to 26, the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), through HDA, had highlighted completed and ongoing development projects aimed at bridging accessibility gaps and boosting tourism potential in the region.
RECODA said among the key completed initiatives are the improvement of the existing road from Long Banga Junction to Pa’ Dalih (Section A & B) and the upgraded access road to Long Banga.
“These projects have improved connectivity and accessibility for the surrounding highland communities,” it said in a statement yesterday (July 26).
It said tourism has also received a lift under the COMMUNITY@SCORE programme with the upgrading of facilities at Bukit Korea, now featuring new toilets, cement walkways and a large Bario sign.
“The Bario sign, reminiscent of the iconic Hollywood landmark, has transformed the site into a distinctive tourist attraction and boosted the area’s appeal to visitors from near and far,” it said.
It added that ongoing projects include the construction of a water treatment and supply system for Pa’ Ramudu, Pa’ Lungan, Pa’ Mada, Pa’ Dalih and Batu Patong, along with improvements to former logging roads connecting Batu Patong, Pa’ Ramudu and Pa’ Derong.
“These efforts are part of the Sarawak Government’s Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which prioritises rural development, connectivity and equitable growth,” RECODA said.
Meanwhile, HDA regional director Juan Ubit said the infrastructure projects are more than just physical upgrades, but are enablers of socio-economic growth for the highland communities.
“In addition, our participation at the Pesta Nukenen reflects our commitment to inclusive development that respects local culture and empowers rural Sarawakians,” he said.
Among those present at the festival were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting.
