MARUDI: The Miri-Marudi-Mulu and Long Panai-Long Lama (MMMLL) road project is set to drive development in northern Sarawak, with completion targeted within the next three years.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the RM3.8-billion project would significantly improve connectivity for longhouse communities through a 142-kilometre main stretch, including 33 kilometres of access links, nine major bridges, and 14 smaller bridges.
He said the project would slash the 15-hour journey to around two hours, giving northern communities their first proper road access.
“We launched two construction packages, with works now starting on the Miri and Marudi sections.
“We initially planned a 48-month schedule, but given the contractors’ strong track record, we requested for the timeline to be shortened to 36 months.
“This project means a lot. People here have wanted proper road access for a long time, and we hope the construction moves quickly,” he said.
He said this during the launch of the MMMLL project officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg here today.
Uggah said the MMMLL route would later link to the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road, the Northern Coastal Road, and the Pan Borneo Highway.
He said a large portion of the road would be built as elevated structures to accommodate peatland and hilly terrain while minimising environmental disturbance.
He added that the project incorporates digital engineering tools, such as Highway Information Modelling, LiDAR, GIS mapping, 3D photogrammetry and drone-based surveys.
“With these technologies, I am confident this will become a model project that protects the environment while supporting Sarawak’s push for modern road systems,” he said.
Earlier, Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, said the project followed extensive ground engagement and long-term planning efforts for the constituency.
Penguang, who is the Marudi state assemblyman, lamented that the Marudi constituency, covering a size of 3,538 square kilometres with a population of about 44,000, had long lagged behind in terms of infrastructure.
He said previous improvements to the Miri-Marudi road helped ease travel but were insufficient to support future development needs.
“From those discussions came the proposal for a new Miri-Marudi road, which was later extended to include the link to Mulu.
“This became the foundation for the MMMLL project, which I believe will be remembered as the starting point of Baram’s transformation,” he said.
Penguang asserted the project demonstrated the Sarawak Government’s commitment to improving mobility, expanding economic opportunities and reducing development gaps between urban and interior areas.
