PUSA: The coastal road network currently being developed in Sarawak will be a game changer for the transformation of the state’s rural development landscape by 2030.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that the fully completed Batang Saribas 1 Bridge is an important link in the success of the coastal road network project that connects villages and longhouses along the coastal area.

“With the completion of this project, the people will be able to connect directly to Kuching through the network that we are currently building and soon we will be inaugurating the Lingga Bridge which will connect the second trunk road.

“Maybe by the end of 2026 or early 2027, Batang Lupar will also be completed.

“So with the completion of this infrastructure, by 2030 our infrastructure network will be a network that will be a game changer in rural development,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after officiating the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge Opening Ceremony here, on Saturday.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Minister of Community Wellbeing Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Youth & Sports Development) Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Development Sarawak Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, Deputy Minister of Urban Development & Natural Resources Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation Sarawak Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Sarawak Secretary(Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, State Assemblymen, Sarawak Director of Public Works Dr Cassidy Morris, Heads of Departments and other dignitaries.

Commenting further, the Sarawak Premier said the bridge would open up more opportunities for economic activities, including the development of modern agriculture in coastal areas.

"I also thank the people in the Betong area who have cooperated in us implementing a major project where the project cost is approximately RM375 million," he added.

Earlier, he also launched the establishment of the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) which will be the driver of strategic development in the area.

At the same event, he also announced the approval of several development applications including the reconstruction of the Betong District Office and Betong District Council Office, upgrading electrical facilities to Phase 3 in the Betong Division and the development of an Agropark in Beladin, Pusa.

The Sarawak Premier then continued his working visit to the Beladin Fishermen's Resettlement to hand over the keys to two recipients and present the Bantuan Sara Hidup Nelayan Beladin 2025.

He also inspected the site of the Beladin Riverbank development project, Pusa which involves a cost of RM45 million.-UKASnews