SARIKEI: The division here has benefited from RM4.7 billion worth of development projects, with major infrastructure investments transforming connectivity and the socioeconomic landscape of the area.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, who is also Kuala Rajang assemblyman, said the projects comprised 34 projects under the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), 63 under the 12th Malaysia Plan, 114 under Alternative Funding and 28 People’s Projects.
He said the development was part of the Sarawak Government’s continued efforts to ensure balanced and inclusive growth across the state.
“Overall, the projects implemented in Sarikei Division amount to RM4.7 billion,” he said at the opening ceremony of the ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ (SKS) Programme for Sarikei Division here today (Aug 8) at the Sarikei Sports Complex.
Among the major projects was the RM149-million modern administrative centre, which serves as a one stop centre for government agencies and aims to improve the efficiency of public services.
Another major development was the RM322-million Sarikei Tanjung Manis Road and Tuanku Haji Bujang Bridge, which was fully completed on May 17, 2025.
Len Talif said the completion of the bridge had fulfilled a long standing aspiration of the people of Sarikei and Kuala Rajang while significantly improving connectivity and socioeconomic activities in the area.
He said travel from Kuala Rajang, Pulau Bruit, Daro and Matu to Sarikei, which previously took between two and three hours, could now be completed within 30 to 45 minutes.
“The completion of Tuanku Haji Bujang Bridge has brought significant benefits in terms of connectivity and socioeconomic development, not only to the local community but also to the Central Region, including Sibu, Mukah, Kapit, Betong and Sri Aman,” he said.
Len Talif said three more projects had also been approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the opening of the bridge last year.
They include a proposed 1.2-kilometre bridge across Batang Rajang from Parit Bugis/Muara Payang and Bukit Huang to Tanah Putih, Sarikei.
The second project involves upgrading the 13-kilometre road from Nyelong Bridge in Sarikei to Bintangor Bridge from a two-lane two-way road to a four-lane four-way road.
The third is a proposed 11-kilometre dual carriageway from the Pan Borneo Highway to the Simpang Tiga Pasi Sarikei/Bintangor junction.
Len Talif said Sarikei’s development was also being expanded beyond physical infrastructure, with the division looking towards ecotourism and nature based economic opportunities.
He said the gazettement of Bukit Sebangkoi Nature Reserve under the management of Sarawak Forestry Corporation had strengthened the division’s potential as a new tourism destination, particularly following the discovery of various unique flora and fauna.
Sarikei also has the 9,373-hectare Rajang Mangrove National Park, which is rich in biodiversity and provides opportunities for nature-based tourism and conservation.
He said studies on carbon trading were also being carried out in Kuala Rajang, where a Blue Carbon Project involving mangrove areas could generate long-term economic benefits while supporting environmental sustainability.
“Development continues to be strengthened and various programmes have been and are being implemented to improve the standard of living of the local community,” he said.
