MARUDI: Baram is set to shed its image as a remote area with the completion of the Marudi Bridge, significantly easing movement between Marudi and Miri.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, announced that under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), the existing road from Miri to Marudi will be upgraded.

He further elaborated that roads from Marudi to Long Terawan, extending to Long Iman and Limbang, will also be developed.

“Our next step is to develop this area by improving road access. Under the RMK-13, and through the Highland Development Agency (HDA), all elected representatives in the Baram region will work together to develop this area comprehensively.

"Imagine, we will be creating a route from Long Iman all the way to Limbang. This means that Baram will no longer be a remote area but a key region for development.

"If my colleagues and I have successfully developed this bridge, by 2030, perhaps we can drive all the way to Limbang,” he said.

He made these remarks during the official opening of the Marudi Bridge on Friday.

The RM116.5 million Marudi Bridge marks another significant achievement by the Sarawak Government in enhancing accessibility, boosting economic opportunities, and improving the overall well-being of the people.

The Sarawak Premier added that with better infrastructure, the area is now primed to become a catalyst for strategic investments, comprehensive development, and socio-economic transformation, bringing long-term benefits to Sarawak.

He further explained that the bridge project is part of a larger infrastructure network connecting major regions such as Miri, Marudi, Limbang, Lawas, Mulu, and neighbouring Brunei and Sabah.

“The Sarawak Government is also planning to construct a deep-sea port in Kuala Baram, which will serve as a key access point for cruise ships, facilitating tourist arrivals to Mulu and Niah, both of which are UNESCO-recognised sites. This will, in turn, stimulate the local economy in these areas,” he added.

Among those present at the bridge's inauguration ceremony were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (Local Government), Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Baram Member of Parliament, Dato Anyi Ngau, and other dignitaries. -UKASnews