MIRI: The transformation of Miri Division’s road network will be the key driver of the northern region’s next phase of economic growth, connectivity and rural development, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
He said major infrastructure projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway, Sabah Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) and the 3M2L road project are not merely transport upgrades, but strategic investments that will reshape mobility, trade and tourism across northern Sarawak.
“The road network in Miri Division is not just physical infrastructure. It is the lifeline of regional integration and borderless mobility,” he said in his speech during the Miri Division Sarawakku Sayang 2026 programme at Miri Stadium here on Saturday.
Lee described the Pan Borneo Highway as a “game changer” and an economic corridor that will shorten travel time between Miri, Bintulu and Kuching, improve road safety and lower logistics costs.
“With better connectivity, our small traders along the route will be able to market their products more widely and participate more actively in the economy,” he said.
On the SSLR, Lee said the project would connect interior areas of Sarawak with Sabah through safer land routes, replacing logging roads and unpaved roads that had long served as the main access for rural communities.
He said the 335-kilometre project, costing RM7.15 billion, includes 82.29 kilometres within Miri Division from Long Iman to Long Balau under Phase 1 and Phase 2A.
“This is a major investment that will open access to economic opportunities, education and essential services for people in remote areas, while encouraging rural development,” he added.
Lee also highlighted the 3M2L project linking Miri, Marudi, Mulu, Long Lama and Long Panai, saying it would unlock development potential across some 18,463 square kilometres from Long Lama to Ulu Baram.
He said the project would strengthen sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and tourism, while improving direct land access from Miri City to the interior and to Mulu National Park.
“With the completion of the 3M2L project and SSLR, access to Mulu National Park by land will transform the tourism landscape,” he said.
On maritime development, Lee said the Sarawak government had approved the RM208.9 million dredging project at Kuala Baram in June 2024 to deepen the access channel to Miri Port.
He said the project would pave the way for Miri Port to become a deep-sea port capable of attracting ship-repair industries, manufacturing, maritime logistics and cruise tourism.
“This will create thousands of highly skilled jobs for our local people and position Miri as a competitive maritime hub on par with major ports in the region,” he said.
