PANTU: Infrastructure projects worth approximately RM325 million are being implemented and planned in Pantu and Balai Ringin to improve connectivity, strengthen public facilities, and stimulate local economic growth.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the projects, which include road construction, a new integrated administrative centre and a market, were part of efforts to ensure sustainable development in the two areas.
He stressed that a systematic master plan is essential to ensure development initiatives were carried out in phases and brought long-term benefits to the people.
“Developing an area requires a systematic master plan to ensure that every project can be implemented in stages and deliver long-term benefits to the people,” he said when officiating at the 17th Panggau Pantu and Pantu Festival 2026 here recently.
Among the key projects planned is an Integrated Administrative Centre (IAC) near Kampung Sungai Merah, covering approximately 50 acres, with an initial allocation of RM5 million for site preparation works.
On connectivity, Snowdan said the RM265-million Ipoh-Tuba-Muding-Mentu Dalam Road project has achieved between 15 and 20 per cent progress.
A new Balai Ringin Market, involving an allocation of RM55 million, is also planned to stimulate local economic activities and create more business opportunities for residents.
Snowdan also emphasised the need to expand access to education and vocational training for young people while ensuring that basic infrastructure development remained a priority.
He called on community leaders and village chiefs (KMKKs) to play an active role as a bridge between the government and the people, particularly in ensuring that information on development plans and project implementation was communicated accurately and effectively.
Meanwhile, Sri Aman MP Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie said upgrading works at the Pantu Water Treatment Plant are expected to begin in 2027 to improve the efficiency of the area’s water supply system.
She said plans to build a new secondary school and a proposed vocational school in Pantu were also receiving attention to expand educational and skills training opportunities for local youths.
In addition, Sarawak Skills had been appointed to conduct workshops and information technology skills training for community leaders in the Sri Aman parliamentary constituency to strengthen grassroots leadership.
The Pantu Festival 2026, which attracted approximately 550 visitors, continued to provide a platform for strengthening community unity, promoting cultural heritage and supporting the socioeconomic development of the local community.
