MARUDI: Baram’s hilly terrain holds strong potential to become a hub for high-value agricultural commodities, with scientific research and improved connectivity expected to unlock new economic opportunities for the region.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this was among the reasons the Sarawak government was willing to invest more than RM3 billion in major infrastructure projects, including the Miri-Marudi-Mulu and Long Panai-Long Lama road network, as part of efforts to transform Baram into a new growth corridor.
“We dare to invest more than RM3 billion because we know, God willing, this long-term investment will bring a significant return on investment,” he said at the launching ceremony of the Baram Regatta at Dataran Marudi here today.
Abang Johari said the road network, together with the completion of the bridge linking Miri and Marudi, would provide the connectivity needed to unlock the region’s economic opportunities.
Recalling the construction of the bridge, he said there had once been doubts over whether the project could be completed.
“There were people who doubted whether it could be completed. Today, it is already in use.
“We will continue extending the road from Miri to Marudi, Long Terawan, Long Panai and all the way to Long Lama. Baram will become a ‘New Baram’ that we will build and develop,” he said.
Abang Johari said the infrastructure investment would not only strengthen connectivity but also create opportunities in tourism, services and modern agriculture.
He said Baram’s unique landscape, culture and natural attractions could be further developed, while its hilly terrain offered potential for the production of high-value agricultural commodities that could be exported.
“Our scientists can analyse the soil here and help our farmers and communities produce agricultural products that can compete in export markets,” he said.
“We have unique attractions and culture that can be developed through the services sector. At the same time, Baram has the potential for modern agriculture capable of producing export commodities.”
He added that the state’s infrastructure investments were also aimed at enhancing tourism opportunities, including through the development of a new deep-sea port in Miri using advanced technology in open waters instead of at the Baram River estuary.
He said the port would enable cruise ships to call at Miri, allowing tourists to travel directly to Baram through the improved road network.
“Hopefully, cruise ships will stop in Miri and tourists will continue their journey to Baram because we already have the bridge connecting Miri and Baram,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that every development initiative undertaken by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government was guided by careful planning and an assessment of its long-term economic returns.
“In GPS, every project we undertake is based on calculations of its return. To increase returns from our investments, we must improve our processes, and that depends on knowledge,” he said.
He called on Baram’s younger generation to seize the opportunities created by the state’s development agenda by equipping themselves with advanced knowledge and skills.
“This is Baram’s future. Today’s economy is no longer determined only by land, labour and capital. It depends on how smart you are in analysing opportunities and using them to improve yourselves,” he added.
