KUCHING: The construction of a 28-kilometre single carriageway from Batang Sadong to Sebuyau is 3.85 per cent complete and presently up to speed.
Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said the project, which forms part of Sarawak’s larger Second Trunk Road (STR) network, is progressing according to its revised timeline, with completion set for Aug 14, 2028.
The project has been previously granted two Extensions of Time (EOT).
“All land acquisition matters have been resolved, and the contractor is expected to proceed without further hindrance, provided there is a steady supply of suitable sand,” he said during a site visit to the Package A2 Batang Sadong to Batang Lupar/Sebuyau project today.
He said the route will pass through Kampung Sungai Ladong and proceed directly to Sebuyau.
“This is a completely new road alignment. The project includes four bridges, including a smaller one. As of now, progress is reported at 3.85 per cent, and it is on schedule with no delays.”
Once completed, he said the new road is expected to reduce travel time between Batang Sadong and Sebuyau from over an hour to just 30–40 minutes, cutting the journey by more than one-third.
Additionally, Aidel said that plans are underway to upgrade Route A2 into a dual carriageway.
“This includes upgrading the existing road from Jambatan Batang Sadong into a dual carriageway, to complement existing stretches which are already dual carriageways from Jambatan Batang Sadong to Jambatan Batang Samarahan.
“With this, we aim to extend the dual carriageway all the way to Sebuyau.
“In fact, we are studying the possibility of having a continuous dual carriageway that connects Sebuyau to Batang Samarahan, and from there to Jambatan Batang Sejingkat, providing direct access to Kuching, bypassing Samarahan entirely,” he said.
Once complete, he said this segment of the Second Trunk Road will enable direct travel from Sebuyau to Kuching via Batang Sadong and Batang Sejingkat.
Aidel also highlighted that one of the major obstacles in the construction of coastal roads like Package A2 is the availability and quality of suitable sand.
He said that sand from the Batang Sadong area is unsuitable for road embankments due to its muddy and silty composition.
“Technically, it’s classified as unsuitable material. Many road projects have been delayed or even terminated because contractors cannot afford or access the right type of sand.
“To overcome this, most of the sand used in the project is sourced from Sibu and central Sarawak,” he said.
He added that recently a new extraction point in Kabong, closer to the project site, was identified, which is expected to improve sand supply and accelerate construction.
“Thanks to this new source, and despite heavy usage of existing stock due to favourable weather, we are optimistic the project will stay on track,” Aidel added.
