KUCHING: The Sarawak government’s decision to take over more than 7,000 kilometres of logging roads statewide is set to pave the way for major rural road upgrades with federal funding.
According to Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, the matter was among the key issues discussed during a courtesy call by 27 Ketua Masyarakat and Ketua Kaum (KMKK) from various sub-districts, together with Kelabit Association president Datuk Isaac Lugun, on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Wednesday (May 13).
“The Premier informed us that the Sarawak government has now made a decision to take over all the logging roads in Sarawak, which total more than 7,000 kilometres.
“Out of the 7,000 kilometres, about 2,700 kilometres are in Baram Division. Once these roads are gazetted as state roads, they will become eligible for Malaysian Road Record Information System (MARRIS) funding from the federal government for maintenance, repairs and upgrading works,” he told reporters after the meeting.
Gerawat said the delegation had also expressed appreciation to the Premier and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government for various development projects implemented in the Bario sub-district, including the provision of 24-hour electricity supply, improved telecommunications and internet connectivity, as well as clean water supply.
Among the major concerns raised by the community leaders was the condition of logging roads, which remain the main transportation routes for many rural settlements and longhouses throughout Baram.
“One of the requests submitted was for the upgrading of the logging road from Lapok all the way to Bario because this route connects more than 100 longhouses,” he said.
According to Gerawat, the Premier explained that the request falls under the state government’s broader rural road upgrading programme.
He said the delegation was also briefed on the progress of the Miri-Marudi-Mulu Road project, including the junction linking Long Panai to Long Lama, which is currently under construction.
“That road will be a very big game changer for the Baram area,” he said.
The delegation also appealed for efforts to revitalise the Bario rice industry, which is widely known for producing premium highland rice but continues to face low production levels due to traditional and labour-intensive farming methods.
“Bario rice is a specialty rice and is highly sought after, but production is still very limited because farmers are using traditional and manual methods,” Gerawat said.
“The community leaders appealed to the Premier to revitalise the industry through mechanisation and modern farming approaches.”
He added that the Premier had shared examples of current rice cultivation programmes in other parts of Sarawak where yields had improved significantly through the use of modern agricultural technology.
Another request raised during the meeting was the proposal for a Temenggong post for the Kelabit community.
Gerawat said community leaders pointed out that other minority Orang Ulu communities such as the Lun Bawang, Bisaya and Penan communities already have Temenggong representation.
“They appealed to the Premier to consider approving a Temenggong position for the Kelabit community,” he said.
