MARUDI: Former logging roads in the northern region would be upgraded to public roads by 2030 under a state-led initiative, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the initiative would address long-standing issues faced by rural communities who had been relying on poorly maintained and often restricted logging routes.
He said the upgrade programme was not rhetoric, but a firm commitment backed by state funds and implemented through a coordinated approach.
“Longhouse residents often struggle with logging roads. Some are in poor condition and, at times, require permission before they can be used.
“So we decided that all former logging roads will be excised and turned into public roads without any charges. The state will upgrade and repair them.
“A task force under Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has been set up to carry out this work. This is not rhetoric. We will do it with Sarawak’s own funds,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the launch of the Miri-Marudi, Marudi-Mulu (Kuala Melinau) and Long Panai-Long Lama (MMMLL) road project here today.
Abang Johari said he was confident the plan could be implemented as the state had already secured the necessary financial capacity.
“This will set a precedent for improving former logging roads across Sarawak, making travel easier for the people. It will connect longhouse communities throughout Baram, and by 2030, we want these routes ready and accessible,” he added.
Uggah earlier said Sarawak had about 5,900 kilometres of former timber roads that were not maintained.
He said areas such as Baram, Limbang and Lawas were once major logging zones where companies built timber roads to extract timber, but many of these roads were left without maintenance after logging activities ended.
As such, he appealed to Abang Johari to consider an approach for maintaining these roads to improve accessibility for interior communities.
“We have already upgraded the Lusong Laku road. It used to take us eight hours to travel the route. Now it takes just over one hour. That is the aspiration of the Baram people, to reach other areas faster.
“If we are fortunate and we can find an approach to improve these former timber roads, then the era of road transformation in this reg
