KUCHING: Bau town is undergoing significant infrastructure upgrades with a few multi-million ringgit road projects financed by the Sarawak government aimed at improving connectivity, safety and reducing traffic congestion.
The projects will transform key routes into JKR R3 standard roads or dual carriageways and better link Bau to the Pan Borneo Highway.
Key road projects, with some undergoing construction and some pending implementation upon approval — are the Bau-Kuching Road Upgrade Phase 2, Bau-Lundu Dual Carriageway (Phase 1) and Musi-Buso Road Upgrading.
The Sarawak government had approved RM500 million for the Bau-Kuching Road Upgrade Phase 2, which will transform the existing single carriageway into a dual carriageway. The road will complement the Pan Borneo Highway.
For the Bau-Lundu Dual Carriageway Phase 1, the RM74-million project will upgrade the road from the Bau-Lundu junction to Bau Town to a U5 JKR standard dual carriageway. The project is ongoing and expected to be completed by June 2026.
The RM73-million Musi-Buso Road upgrading project, which includes a new concrete bridge, is designed to strengthen the link to Bau and reduce flood risks.
The completion of these projects is not only going to make Bau town more conveniently accessible but will be a significant milestone in the district’s infrastructure development and mobility network.
Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep thanked the state government and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for the support, saying the road upgrades are expected to greatly improve traffic flow, reduce travel time and enhance connectivity between Bau town and its surrounding villages and settlements as well as neighbouring districts.
Aside from the three, the Tasik Biru assemblyman said a proposal to widen the Jalan Tondong-Sebuku had also been made submitted, pending approval.
“If all these road upgrading projects are completed, we are going to have several access to Bau, which will make it easier for us to commute to and from home to Bau or to the work places.”
“You can choose to travel through Musi-Buso road, through the Bau-Lundu road to Pan Borneo, through Bau-Kuching Road and through the Tondong-Sebuku road,” he said.
Henry said better accessibility will also likely attract more visitors into the town, especially during weekends and festive seasons.
He believed that with Bau being known for its limestone caves, historical gold mining heritage and growing eco-tourism spots, improved road infrastructure is expected to further stimulate tourism activities and boost the local economy.
