KUCHING: The Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) is planning on another ‘turun padang’ initiative in Sarawak’s interior, this time focusing on the Miri-Bario route.
Deputy Premier and MIPD Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the land-based trip would follow up on a recent five-day visit that covered 80 per cent of the state.
“We found the previous trip invaluable for our future planning, especially in upgrading rural infrastructure,” Uggah said during a dinner with the state Public Works Department (PWD) contingent to the PWD National Sports Carnival 2024 last night (Aug 15).
He stressed the need to connect isolated longhouses and villages, as well as improve abandoned logging roads still in use by local communities.
The trip will also assess the progress of ongoing development projects to prevent delays or cost overruns.
“We engaged with elected representatives to understand their priorities and challenges in enhancing road connectivity,” Uggah added.
Turning to the sports carnival, he urged the PWD contingent to strive for medals in all eight events, echoing the state’s ambition to win the ongoing SUKMA XXI games.
He promised incentives for top performers and encouraged participants to learn from other states on project management and avoiding project delays.
Also present were MIPD Deputy Minister Datuk Ir. Aidel Lariwoo, MIPD Permanent Secretary Datuk Chiew Chee Yaw, state PWD Director Dr. Cassidy Morris, and other senior officials.
