Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Northern Sarawak poised for major development transformation

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Awang Tengah (sixth left) with Sarawak Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin (on Tengah's right), Tourism Minister, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yiew (third left), Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat (fourth left), and other distinguished guests jointly officiate the 'pulut kuning' cutting ceremony during the programme.

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MIRI: The infrastructure landscape of Northern Sarawak is set to undergo significant transformation, as announced by Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who also serves as the Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development.

Speaking at the ‘Anak Jati Lawas’ Raya gathering on Friday night, Tengah revealed plans that promise to enhance connectivity and elevate living standards in the region.

The government has approved the upgrade of the Northern Coastal Highway, which will now include a dual carriageway extending from the ASEAN Bridge to Brunei.

Scheduled for completion by June 2025, this ambitious project, which is expected to cost around RM6 billion, will facilitate direct access from Miri through Brunei to Limbang and Lawas, eventually connecting to Sabah.

The proposal includes five distinct packages focusing on establishing essential road links.

“These projects will ensure that the northern region is well-integrated and connected,” Tengah emphasised, noting that significant federal funding will complement the Sarawak government’s allocation for these developments.

A key component of this is the planned Sarawak Link Road, which is designed to connect Lawas, Limbang and Marudi, with the first phase already underway from Lawas to Long Lopeng, crossing into Brunei.

In addition to road developments, Tengah announced plans to enhance electricity supply in Limbang and Lawas, integrating them into the state grid by mid-2025.

Telecommunications infrastructure will also receive a considerable boost, reaching rural areas to improve connectivity alongside water supply enhancements.

Specific projects in Lawas have already received Cabinet approval, including the construction of a new water treatment plant at Trusan to supplement existing resources.

Healthcare facilities are also on the horizon, with the completion of a new hospital expected by the end of this year.

As part of a broader development strategy, the Deputy Premier registered the importance of improving the agriculture sector given the region’s rich highland and coastal resources.

“With improved connectivity, we can enhance our agricultural efforts, as well as develop human capital,” he stated, stressing the goal of poverty eradication through education and business opportunities.

Moreover, Tengah highlighted the ambitious Lawas Masterplan, which aims to attract international investment by improving local infrastructure to support future growth.

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