SIBU: The proposed connecting road (missing link) from Jalan Nanga Bangkit/Muara Lebaan to Jalan Sibu/Tanjung Manis is expected to significantly benefit residents of Sungai Sian, Selemas and Kampung Bundung by providing direct access to Sibu without relying on ferry services.
In stating this, Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said the approximately five-kilometre road project involves a cost of over RM80 million and forms part of the state government’s efforts to complete the road network in the area.
“The construction of this road will facilitate residents’ movement to Sibu once the Lebaan Bridge is fully completed, in addition to improving connectivity between rural areas and the town centre.
“This project is part of the state government’s ongoing planning, with emphasis placed on smooth implementation, including aspects of land acquisition,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters at an event for the Handover of Land Compensation Checks, Gazette of Bumiputera Communal Reserves under Section 6 of the State Land Code, and Handover of Land Title Certificates under Section 18 of the State Land Code for the Sibu Division at Dewan Kompleks Islam Sibu on Saturday.
The Kuala Rajang state assemblyman noted that RM45 million had previously been approved under the leadership of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem for the construction of the road to Tanjung Manis from Sarikei.
However, the allocation was insufficient and was instead utilised to upgrade Jalan Rentap in Sarikei, from Sarikei Bridge to Sarikei Hospital.
“The construction of the missing link is expected to take about two and a half years, or 30 months, and if the land compensation process can be completed earlier, the project could potentially be completed around 2028 to 2029,” he added.
Earlier, Len, on behalf of Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, presented land compensation cheques totalling RM9,312,149.96 to 92 landowners involved in three government development projects in the Sibu Division.
The compensation involved the Jalan Oya Phase 2 upgrade project, the connecting road from Taman Permai to Jalan Ulu Sungai Merah, and the connecting road (missing link) from Jalan Nanga Bangit/Muara Lebaan to Jalan Sibu/Tanjung Manis, Meradong District (Sibu Sector).
The event also witnessed the gazetting of Bumiputera Communal Reserves under Section 6 of the State Land Code involving Sungai Bawang/Tau/Arip, Selangau Ulu Kelawit, Selangau (8,880 hectares), Batu 9 & 10 areas along Jalan Kanowit/Julau/Durin (KJD) (880 hectares), and Tebalong Batang Oya, Selangau A (3,359 hectares).
