KUCHING: The Sarawak government is planning to take over 188km of former logging roads, including the wooden bridges along these routes, as part of efforts to enhance connectivity for rural communities.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said of the 5,297km of logging roads across Sarawak, 3,293 kilometers remain active, while 2,004km are no longer in use.
He disclosed this during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, in response to a query by Nicholas Kudi Jantai (GPS–Baleh) on state plans to assume control over disused logging roads and bridges that serve as vital links for longhouse residents, clinics, and schools in the interior.
“For roads that have been registered under the Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS), a total of 312.8km have been classified under the Village Roads Committee (JKPG),” Aidel said.
Among the notable stretches now under MARRIS and JKPG are:
Ex-logging road to Tunoh Scheme, Bukit Mabong, Kapit; ex-logging road from Jalan Jiwa Murni to Pasir Nai/Nanga Pelagus; ex-logging road from Jalan Mantan Kem to Long Busang, Bukit Mabong; ex-logging road from Jalan Kem Rose to Long Unai, Bukit Mabong; ex-logging road from Tunoh to Kampung Sang Anau, Bukit Mabong.
Road from Baleh HEP Road to Ulu Sungai Paku, Majau, Melinau, Bukit Mabong; road from Lusong Laku to Naha Jaley and Long Kabuho, Belaga; road to Long Jawe, Belaga; road from Tegulang to Lusong Laku, Belaga.
“For unregistered roads, the responsibility remains with the respective logging concession companies,” he added.
As of February 2025, 13,687.9km of logging roads are still under concession, comprising 8,553km under Forest Timber Licences and 5,134.9km under Licences for Planted Forest. Of these, 1,172.6km remain active.
Aidel said the state’s move to formally register former logging roads under MARRIS will allow for federal or state funding to be channelled towards their maintenance.
“Once registered, these roads can be categorised either under the State Road Network (JRN) or the Village Road Network (JKPG), depending on their location and specifications,” he said.
The plan is expected to significantly improve accessibility for isolated settlements and promote better service delivery in rural Sarawak.
