LUNDU: Sampadi will undergo organic planning over the next five years to transform the area into a smart town equipped with modern facilities and positioned as a new development hub in the Tanjong Datu constituency.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the planning would take into account Sampadi’s strategic location and its proximity to Trombol, where the new i-CATS University campus is located.
He said the development of Sampadi would also be supported by improved connectivity, particularly through the completion of the Rambungan Bridge.
“I support Azizul’s request for development in Sampadi. Within the next five years, we will first undertake organic planning so that it can become an attraction and also a place for a resettlement programme, with modern facilities.
“It will become a smart town with the latest facilities, including IT,” he said when officiating the Batang Kayan Regatta here today.
Abang Johari said Sampadi’s proximity to Trombol and the new i-CATS University campus could further contribute to the area’s development by creating a new growth centre.
He said the university could serve as a core for development in the surrounding areas by providing access to knowledge and skills, including aerospace and other emerging fields.
“If we develop the Trombol area, where we have a university campus that becomes the source of knowledge, including aerospace and other latest fields, it will become a core for developing the surrounding areas, including Sampadi.
“Sampadi is not far away, especially once the bridge is completed, so it will have a high impact on our development,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of improving connectivity in the Tanjong Datu area, which he said would have two major routes – through the Pan Borneo Highway and the Matang Road.
He said this would strengthen connectivity to Tanjong Datu and position the area as an important gateway to the constituency.
On the Rambungan Bridge, Abang Johari said the Sarawak Government had taken over the project and appointed a new contractor to ensure its completion.
“We have taken over the Rambungan Bridge, which has not been completed. Insya-Allah, a new contractor has been appointed and we have added some funding so that the Rambungan Bridge can be completed in 2027,” he said.
Earlier, Tanjong Datu assemblyman, Azizul Annuar Adenan, said the local community hoped for the development of a hawker centre and marina near the Rambungan Bridge.
He said the proposed facilities could complement the bridge project by stimulating economic activities and strengthening tourism attractions in the Sampadi Zone.
“I am very grateful that the Sarawak Government has taken over the construction of the Rambungan Bridge, which was initially cancelled by the federal government, and it is now scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of 2027.
“Therefore, my hope and that of the community in the Sampadi Zone is that a hawker centre and marina can be built near the bridge as a complementary project that could create more economic opportunities and tourism attractions,” he said.
