KUCHING: The proposed upgrading of Jalan Musi-Buso-Simpang Buso is poised to bring major improvements to road safety, traffic flow, and regional accessibility in Bau district.
Deputy Minister for Transport and Tasik Biru state assemblyman, Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, said the project had been awarded and the contractor shall start work any time.
The upgrade – identified as one of Bau’s key infrastructure priorities – aims to modernise the existing narrow rural roadway, which has long struggled to accommodate increasing traffic from local communities, agricultural zones and expanding development areas around the district.
The project is expected to involve extensive improvements and elevation works along the Musi-Buso-Simpang Buso corridor.
The work scope of the proposed road, which will be constructed in accordance with a two-lane single carriageway of R3 standard, will also include two concrete bridges, the widening and strengthening of the roadway, the upgrading of its pavement structure, and improvement to safety features such as drainage systems, road shoulders, road signage and intersections.
“This is going to be another important alternative road for Bau. Once you have the roads and bridges, you open up the Musi and Buso area for development including the decentralisation of housing estates and properties in Bau.
“The roads will definitely boost the local economy because once you have good road that is not prone to flooding, people will start to do housing, which will eventually create job and business opportunities for the people,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Henry believed that the better access would also open up opportunities for small-scale farmers transporting their produce, enhance mobility for residents, and strengthen connections to markets and services.
He noted that the improved road will also serve as an essential connector linking Bau’s interior settlements to major trunk roads, particularly the route towards Kuching.
Henry said the project, which cost about RM73 million, is expected to be completed within 30 months or in May, 2028.
He noted that beyond improving the road conditions, this project also carries a strategic long-term objective – to create an additional access link between the Pan Borneo Highway and the old Kuching-Bau road, providing an alternative route into Bau’s growing tourism town.
This connection is expected to boost mobility, support economic activities and enhance travel convenience for both residents and visitors.
“Of course, once completed, the upgraded road will bring better connectivity, safer travel and improved accessibility for the surrounding communities.
“The upgraded road may also stands as a key step toward strengthening Bau’s connectivity and supporting the district’s ambitions for sustainable growth,” he added.
A coordination meeting was held on November 17 at the Bau District Office Conference Room to mark the official start of the implementation phase, following the award of the open tender to Primaces Sdn Bhd.
The session was chaired by Henry together with Bau District Officer, Eddy Nayoi, who serves as the project secretariat.
Also present were representatives from the appointed contractor, consultants, government and private agencies, as well as the village heads from Kampung Buso, Musi and parts of Singai.
The meeting focused on ensuring proper coordination so that on-site works can progress smoothly, safely and according to schedule.
