KUCHING: Sarawak is working on a mechanism to upgrade and maintain some 7,000 km of abandoned logging roads across the state, in response to growing concerns over their deteriorating condition.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the Infrastructure and Port Development Ministry and the Public Works Department (PWD) have been tasked with proposing a solution to the state government.
“To address the issue, we plan to reclassify selected logging roads as state roads. Currently, many of these abandoned logging roads are classified as village roads, which means maintenance funding is very limited.
“Once upgraded, we can tap into the Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS) funds, which offer a higher maintenance allocation,” he told reporters during a working visit to the Batang Rambungan bridge project site today.
Uggah, who is also the Infrastructure and Port Development Minister, said most of the abandoned logging roads are located in Baram, Kapit, Tatau, Skrang, and Belaga.
He added that discussions were recently held with local assemblymen to identify damaged bridges and critical road sections, with cost estimates already prepared.
“We are currently finalising a working paper that will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval,” he said.
On the cost involved, Uggah said figures have been calculated but would only be announced after Cabinet endorsement.
He also clarified that not all abandoned logging roads would be upgraded, with some remaining classified as village roads.
“We are also reviewing the status of active timber roads, which present their own set of challenges,” he added.
