LUNDU: The Sarawak Government is planning a new two-lane road connecting the Federal Administration Centre (FAC) to Trombol, paving the way for better access to the future i-CATS University branch campus to be developed in Telaga Air.
According to Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, Deputy Infrastructure and Port Development (Infrastructure Development) Minister, the proposal is part of Sarawak’s broader infrastructure enhancement initiative along the coastal region where several roads are being realigned, resurfaced and upgraded to meet higher standards.
“The road from the end of FAC to Trombol is now in the pipeline.
“It will serve as the main access route to the upcoming university in Trombol, where land acquisition and preliminary planning works are already underway,” he said during a press conference at the Rambungan Bridge construction site today.
He explained that the extension was necessary as Jalan FAC currently ended without a proper continuation, leaving residents and road users uncertain about its intended use.
“We are aware that the FAC road seemingly ends in isolation. This extension will give it a proper connection and purpose,” Aidel said.
While there are currently no upgrades planned for the connecting stretch between Jalan FAC-Trombol and Rambungan, he confirmed that improvements would be carried out once the Rambungan Bridge was completed.
“These road linkages will support future traffic demand and regional development, especially once the bridge is in use,” he added.
Aidel further stated that the initiative aligned with Sarawak’s long-term strategy to modernise its entire coastal road corridor from Miri to Samarahan through pavement rehabilitation and reclassification of road standards including the gradual upgrading of rural-standard (R3) roads to primary-road or highway standard (R5).
“Other parts of the coastal route, such as the section from Miri to Kuching-Samarahan, are already undergoing similar upgrades. This includes raising the road standards from R3 to R5 in phases,” he said.
Aidel also pointed out that the road from Sempadi to Lundu was initially constructed to village road standard (R1) but had since been improved to approximately R3 under the Public Works Department (JKR).
“This is an ongoing effort to improve the quality, safety and connectivity of Sarawak’s transport network. We are future-proofing the system to meet rising demands and better serve our people,” he emphasised.
