KUCHING: Residents in the northern interior of Sarawak will soon enjoy more comfortable, faster, and safer travel with the implementation of the Miri–Marudi, Marudi–Mulu (Kuala Melinau), and Long Lama–Long Panai Road Project (MMMLL) by the Sarawak government.
The RM3.8 billion Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) mega project will be officially launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Marudi Light Industrial Area on Nov 15.
According to RECODA chief executive officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni, the MMMLL project is a key initiative to strengthen the road network in northern Sarawak and open new opportunities for rural economic and tourism growth.
“Once completed, the MMMLL project will significantly reduce travel time — from Miri to Marudi in just 30 minutes compared to over 1 hour 40 minutes currently, Marudi to Mulu (Kuala Melinau) in about 90 minutes, and Long Panai to Long Lama in around 60 minutes.
“Beyond saving time, the new roads will also enhance safety and comfort for users. The Miri-Marudi stretch will be built to R5 standard, while the Marudi–Mulu and Long Panai–Long Lama sections will follow R3 standard, aligning with the Sarawak–Sabah Link Road Phase 2 (SSLR2), which will connect at Kuala Melinau,” he told a press conference recently.
Ismawi added that the MMMLL project is expected to bring major benefits to the local economy, particularly to the tourism, agriculture, and small enterprise sectors, by improving market access and facilitating the transportation of agricultural produce.
He said building a land route to Mulu, which currently can only be reached by air, will open new opportunities for tourism in the region.
“Until now, tourists have had to fly to Mulu. With the new road, more visitors will be able to travel there by land, which will help boost the local economy — especially in Marudi, which is set to become a key hub for tourism and trade,” he said.
The project also includes the construction of access roads to major settlements, including schools located in Long Ukok, Long Linei, and Long Panai.
