By Gretta Bala
MIRI: More than RM157.5 million has been allocated for road infrastructure and emergency repair projects in Lambir and across Miri Division.
This reflects the Sarawak government’s determination to ensure rural communities continue to benefit from the state’s development agenda.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the Ngiling Bidai Gawai Dayak celebration for Lambir on Wednesday (Jun 24) night, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said the investments were aligned with Sarawak’s vision of inclusive growth under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Gerawat said infrastructure development remained a key priority of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government as it sought to improve connectivity, stimulate economic activity and enhance the quality of life of people in both urban and rural areas.
For Lambir alone, 52 road projects worth RM17 million have been approved. Of these, 28 have been completed, 14 are currently undergoing the tender process, six are under maintenance and four new roads are under construction.
In addition, RM1.8 million has been allocated for six small bridge projects, with four already completed and the remaining two undergoing maintenance works.
“These projects are important because they improve daily mobility, create economic opportunities and contribute directly to the wellbeing of local communities,” he said.
Beyond Lambir, the government has approved 54 emergency repair projects throughout Miri involving an allocation of RM140.5 million.
The projects, implemented following damage caused by floods, landslips and slope failures, include road rehabilitation works, slope stabilisation measures and bridge replacements.
According to the latest project status, 19 have been completed, 14 are under construction and 21 remain in the planning stage.
The speech highlighted the rapid implementation of emergency repairs demonstrated the government’s proactive approach to protecting public safety and maintaining critical infrastructure.
Gerawat said the state’s ability to undertake large-scale development initiatives was underpinned by Sarawak’s strong financial position under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He noted that Sarawak recorded revenue of RM14.2 billion in 2024, enabling the state government to fund development projects independently while reducing reliance on federal allocations.
The revenue has supported investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, water supply, electricity and various people-centric programmes throughout the state.
The speech also highlighted progress in Native Customary Rights (NCR) land surveying efforts in Lambir.
To date, 415.8 hectares of NCR land have been gazetted under Section 6 of the Sarawak Land Code, while a further 220 hectares have been approved. Another 3,845.4 hectares are currently undergoing individual lot surveys under Section 18 of the code.
On education, Gerawat encouraged young people in Lambir to take advantage of the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which is being implemented at state-owned higher education institutions including Curtin University Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) and i-CATS University College.
The scheme currently covers 64 programmes in strategic disciplines including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), law, accounting, finance and psychology.
The government has also strengthened social assistance through the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance Scheme (SKAS), under which eligible households receive RM1,100, single recipients RM375 and senior citizens RM600.
Meanwhile, 47 projects involving houses of worship in Lambir received RM11.1 million in funding through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) between 2017 and 2025, supporting the construction, upgrading and maintenance of religious facilities.
Gerawat said the initiatives reflected Sarawak’s commitment to inclusive development, social harmony and equitable access to opportunities.
He also called on residents to continue supporting the state’s development agenda and preserve the unity that has long been a hallmark of Sarawak society.
The annual Ngiling Bidai celebration marks the traditional conclusion of the Gawai Dayak festivities and serves as a platform for strengthening community ties while celebrating Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage.
Among those present were Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and Lambir assemblyman Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat.
