LIMBANG: The federal government has been urged to commence the construction of the long-approved MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) project in Lawas, which remains stalled despite land being allocated years ago.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the project had been approved during the tenure of the late former Head of State and Chief Minister Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud under the Fourth Rolling Plan of the 11th Malaysia Plan in 2019.
“We seek the support of our Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof regarding the MRSM project in Lawas. It has been many years since it was approved during the time of Taib.
“The land has already been allocated, but until now there are still no signs that the project will begin. We humbly request your assistance for this project,” he said.
He said this during the Sarawakku Sayang 2026 programme held at Limbang Sports Complex here on Saturday.
Awang Tengah stressed that the establishment of MRSM is part of a broader vision to position Limbang and Lawas as an education and skills development hub for northern Sarawak, including neighbouring regions such as Sabah, Labuan, Brunei and Kalimantan.
He noted that initiatives such as the Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), a skills training centre in Lawas and a newly established GIATMARA centre in Limbang would complement efforts to enhance human capital development in the region.
CENTEX Lawas, he added, has been opened to participants beyond Sarawak, reflecting its role as a regional training hub.
Beyond education, Awang Tengah highlighted the strategic location of Limbang and Lawas as a catalyst for economic growth, particularly in modern agriculture, livestock farming and cross-border trade.
“Several areas in Limbang and Lawas have already been identified as centres for commercial paddy cultivation on a large scale. These areas will also serve as a hub for buffalo production for the state of Sarawak.
“We also have strong potential to develop the tourism sector, particularly ecotourism. The highest mountain in Sarawak, Mount Murud, is located in this region. We are rich in culture and biodiversity—these are our attractions.
“We also share borders with Brunei Darussalam and are not far from Nusantara. While Kapit may be closer, Lawas is also near, as we border Indonesia. Therefore, the prospects for expanding cross-border trade are very strong. In fact, Limbang and Lawas can be developed into a logistics hub,” he said.
On healthcare, Awang Tengah said the Lawas Hospital is expected to begin operations in August this year, while a specialist hospital in Limbang is currently in the planning stage.
He emphasised that Sarawak’s continued progress depends not only on development projects but also on unity among its diverse communities, noting that no single group can govern alone.
“In Sarawak, we must accept the reality that no single race can govern alone. We are only strong when we are united, embracing the spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’ and strengthening the principle of ‘Sarawak First’ regardless of background. The prosperity and well-being of Sarawak will reinforce the stability of our beloved nation, Malaysia.
“I also hope the Sarawakku Sayang programme will serve as a platform to strengthen unity, cooperation, and mutual understanding among us. Let us continue to give strong and unwavering support to our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in leading Sarawak towards a brighter future—so that future generations can enjoy prosperity, development, well-being, peace, and lasting harmony,” he said.
