KUCHING: The RM6.8 billion Sarawak Northern Coastal Highway (NCH) Project is set to be launched this upcoming November 1.

The launching ceremony is expected to be officiated by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at the Limbang Recreation Park, marking a historic moment for the local residents and Lawas.

This also marks the beginning of the mega infrastructure development which is expected to be the main catalyst for economic growth in the northern region of Sarawak.

Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) Chief Executive Officer, Datu Ismawi Ismuni said the project is a major initiative of the Sarawak Government under the leadership of the Sarawak Premier to complete the state's strategic road network, particularly for the northern border area.

"The NCH project was inspired by the Sarawak Premier himself and will be a modern four-lane highway network connecting Limbang and Lawas, as well as opening access to Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Kalimantan," he said during a press conference here on Tuesday.

The 87.96 kilometre NCH project includes three sections in Limbang and two sections in Lawas with the route starting from Tedungan Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) to Pandaruan CIQS in Limbang, and Mengkalap CIQS to Merapok CIQS in Lawas.

Among the main components to be developed are two Rest and Service Areas (RSA) in Tedungan and Pandaruan, two iconic bridges in Limbang and Kuala Lawas as well as several trumpet shaped interchanges in strategic locations such as Gelugus and Terusan.

In addition, he said, the project also features the construction of a 1 kilometre long viaduct in Bukit Mas which is designed in line with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles to preserve local flora and fauna.

"This viaduct is not just a road structure, but a symbol of the balance between development and environmental conservation.

"This project is not just a road, it is a symbol of progress, unity and a more prosperous future for the northern region of Sarawak," he added.

In addition, the NCH will be a strategic link between the Pan Borneo Highway, the Sarawak Sabah Link Road (SSLR) and the Trans Borneo Highway, thus creating a conducive logistics ecosystem to attract investors and drive tourism, modern agriculture and the petrochemical industry.

The project is expected to take 48 months to complete and is fully funded by the Sarawak Government with RECODA as the main implementing agency. -UKASnews