Whether to build or not to build the coastal road is a philosophical question to ask as it is akin to a double-edged sword.

This view is shared by Penghulu Chan Kai Huan of Balingian, as the coastal road has its pros and cons.

He observed that before the coastal road was built, business at Balingian Bazaar was always brisk as the local people especially the farmers and fishermen would sell their produce at the bazaar.

“But now after Balingian bazaar is connected to the coastal road, our business has been affected very badly.

“For instance, before we were linked by road, a kilogram (kg) of crabs would cost only RM10, now it cost RM40; a kg of prawns then was from RM20-RM30 per kg to RM65 today and for ikan tapah (river catfish) from RM20 then to more than RM35 today,” Chan told Kembara Ukas at his coffeeshop at Balingian bazaar today.

Recalling the past before the road was completed about a decade ago, life at the bazaar was tranquil and peaceful as mobility was limited.

“But now you can see there are so many cars on the road and almost every family has one. This if of course a good sign that we are getting more affluent,” he said.


As the Balingian bazaar is getting deserted by the youth, he feared that one day, Balingian bazaar would be abandoned totally.

“The young people are leaving because there is nothing here to offer them. So, they moved out to bigger towns and cities for better job opportunities.

“Even for us, we will get our provisions from either Bintulu which is an hour drive from here, to buy major items or we will normally go to Mukah town, which is about 45 minutes of driving for minor items,” he said.

However, he admitted that having the road is a plus factor for the people in Balingian as it provides them with better connectivity with major towns and cities in Sarawak.


“To conclude, of course we would still prefer to have the road. We can’t be having a negative mentality. But we must strive to find new opportunities either for business or other job opportunities to improve our lives,” said Chan.

After leaving Balingian bazaar, we had a pit stopped below the Kuala Tatau bridge and met a couple who were having a picnic and prawn fishing below the bridge.


A fishing spot below Kuala Tatau Bridge

Steward Bunyau, his wife and their child were having a good time, having their lunch and casting their fishing rods for prawns at the river, when we approached them to have a chit chat.

He disclosed that he would come every time he is having his off day and such opportunity would provide him the peace of mind with his wife and kid.

“And if we are lucky, we will catch few prawns which will be enough for my small family. And if we don’t, we will still be happy as we enjoy spending time together,” said Steward.


Smoked fish business thriving at Kampung Sebemban roadside

Before we reached Kampung Jepak, we stopped by the roadside near Kampung Sebemban where there were few ladies processing and selling their smoked fish.

It was there that we met and interviewed Dujong Nyalu who has been selling smoked fish since 2004.

“This small business that we have has helped my family to complement out income. And my husband would normally help me by getting the supplies of fish and the firwoods,” she said.

Dujong and few other women manning their respective stalls were selling smoked ikan blukang (saltwater catfish) and small stingrays. The smoked fish are sold at RM40 per kg.

Irony of the coastal road

The road connecting Mukah and Balingian is well-maintained while the road between Balingian and Bintulu needs regular maintenance.

However, the coastal road linking Bintulu and Miri needs even more frequent maintenance as it was heavily used especially by heavy vehicles carrying palm oil.

Additionally, the coastal road also needs better signages at strategic locations to prevent motorists from getting disoriented.

On top of that the coastal road also needs to have street lighting for ease of driving especially during the night and during heavy rain.

Equally important is for the relevant authorities to ensure that along the coastal road, there should be a good internet coverage for ease of communication for motorists, especially in case of emergency.


Conclusion

Traveling on the coastal road this time around is a much smoother ordeal compared to a decade ago when we first started the road trip programme.

And it is hoped that with better road connectivity, the people will have better mobility either for doing business or just for casual drive.

With the completion of the remaining nine bridges by this year, the drive from Telok Melano in the southern tip to Miri will be a seamless affair. And this will be a plus factor for greater mobility for all Sarawakians. With better connectivity along the coastal area, coupled with the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway, Sarawak is poised to achieve a developed status by 2030.


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