KUCHING: The implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects in the northern region of Sarawak continues to be strengthened as a key catalyst for economic growth and to strengthen the regional connectivity network.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the Northern Coastal Highway project is currently being actively implemented and is divided into five packages, involving three packages in Limbang and two packages in Lawas.

According to him, the project includes the construction of modern roads including a one-kilometre dual carriageway in Limbang as well as several major bridges to improve route efficiency.

“This highway will connect regions from Miri via Limbang and Lawas to Sabah, including Brunei Darussalam, thus strengthening connectivity in northern Sarawak,” he said.

He said this when met by the media during the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) Rindok Raya event at a leading hotel here on Wednesday.

In a related development, he said that the Sarawak Link Road project also showed encouraging progress as the first phase from Lawas to Long Lopeng is 70 per cent complete.

He explained that the project will continue to the next phase to connect the road network developed by RECODA from Kuala Melinau to Miri for more than 142 kilometres, and subsequently integrated with the Northern Coastal Highway.

“This combination of projects will not only provide a more comfortable travel network, but will also be extended to the Indonesian border through Ba’kelalan, thus opening up access to the interior,” he said.

He added that the infrastructure development is expected to stimulate economic sectors including ecotourism, agriculture and industry, in line with the state’s development plans.

Meanwhile, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah said that the construction of a new airport in Lawas is currently being actively implemented with positive progress, increasing air connectivity in the northern region.

He also shared that Lawas is now connected to the state’s electricity grid in addition to plans for hydropower development, increased water supply and telecommunications systems.

"The government is also planning the construction of a jetty that could potentially be upgraded to a new port, taking into account the strategic location of Lawas and the suitable sea depth," he explained.

Also present at the ceremony were Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Ministers, RECODA Chief Executive Officer Datu Ismawi Ismuni, and other guests. -UKASnews