SERIAN: Land compensation payouts under development projects should be utilised to further strengthen agricultural activities in villages.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said infrastructure projects such as highways are long-term facilities that bring direct economic benefits to local communities.
He said improved road connectivity would open wider market access for rural communities, enabling them to transport agricultural produce more efficiently to markets, ports and airports.
“Once the road is completed, it will be easier to bring agricultural produce to the market.
“We can export directly through the Tanjung Embang Port that will be built in the future because this road will connect straight there. We will also be able to utilise the airport that will be developed there.
“That is the advantage for us. What is important is for us to recognise the opportunities provided by the government. This is how we uplift our people,” he said.
He said this when officiating the Phase Two cheque presentation ceremony for the Serian–Gedong–Samarahan Dual Carriageway Highway project (Package 1A and 1B) at Dewan Serbaguna Kampung Munggu Kopi here today (Feb 24).
A total of 73 recipients received compensation amounting to RM6.5 million under Phase Two.
Sagah, who is also the Tarat assemblyman, stressed that land acquisition for the project was implemented in accordance with existing laws, with compensation provided in a fair and transparent manner.
“This clearly reflects the government’s continued commitment to ensuring that the land acquisition process is carried out in an orderly, transparent and fair manner,” he added.
The Serian–Gedong–Samarahan highway involves upgrading existing roads and constructing new alignments.
Package 1A and 1B stretch from Simpang Rayang through Kampung Munggu Kopi, Kampung Tanah Puteh and Kampung Sebemban before ending at Gedong Isthmus.
The four-lane dual carriageway with a central Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) lane forms part of the 45.65-kilometre route linking Serian to Samarahan, aimed at shortening travel time and improving access to essential services such as schools, healthcare facilities and markets.
