DALAT: The Sibu-Dalat route is expected to stimulate the economy and development in three State Legislative Assembly (DUN) areas: N.44 Jemoreng, N.53 Bawang Assan, and N.56 Dalat.

Sarawak Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, stated that she informed Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof about this project during their recent meeting.

"We met with the Deputy Prime Minister, YB Dato Fadillah, and informed him that this project benefits N.56 Dalat, N.44 Jemoreng, and the Bawang Assan area.

"The Kut Muara to Bungan route, listed as number 4 under KKDW in RMK-12, spans 9 kilometers and has been approved with a budget of RM130 million.

"As of now, assessments are being conducted in July, and a consultant will be appointed in collaboration with the Federal JKR in September," she said during the closing ceremony of Kaul Sg. Kut Muara at the Kut Muara Seberang Multipurpose Hall in Dalat on Sunday.

She mentioned that the project is expected to start in January 2026 once the alignment and related matters are fully completed.

The Dalat Assemblywoman added that she had requested the Sarawak government to build a road connecting Sibu to Mukah via Sungai Pinang, Bungan Besar, Bungan Kecil, Sg. Kut Muara, Kekan Seberang, and Medong Seberang.

She stated that a bridge will also be constructed to complete the road alignment.

"The Kekan Seberang to Medong Seberang section has also been approved by the Sarawak government. It is 14 kilometers long with a cost of RM140 million.

"Once completed, the journey from Sibu to Dalat will only take 1 hour.

"The construction of this road will boost the development of Sungai Kut Muara, as it lies along the main route. We are grateful to the Federal and Sarawak governments."

She added that development in Kut Muara will be accelerated through the construction of riverfront phases 1, 2, and 3, which will include public toilets and parking facilities.

Meanwhile, various activities were held to enliven the Kaul Festival from May 27 to 31, 2024.

These activities included a village-wide netball competition, a cheerful children’s contest with a magical fantasy theme, a karaoke competition, a sepak takraw competition, a fashion show competition, and a 'besaug' competition.

At the same event, Dato Sri Fatimah also presented a Phase 3 2024 Minor Rural Project (MRP) cheque worth RM2,800 to the SK ST. Jude Parents-Teachers Association, Kampung Kekan, in conjunction with the participation of schools in the Sarawak state level Malaysian school dance competition 2024.-UKASnews