LIMBANG: Air connectivity and logistics networks in northern Sarawak are being further strengthened as key drivers of more efficient mobility and economic growth, particularly in Limbang and Lawas.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, said that the implementation of strategic projects, including the construction of a new airport in Lawas and the expansion of Limbang Airport, will enhance the efficiency of movement for both the public and investors.

“The construction of the new Lawas airport and the expansion of Limbang Airport will strengthen air connectivity, thereby enabling more efficient movement.

“The proposed development of a deep-sea port will further improve sea connectivity, making the region more competitive in terms of logistics and trade,” he said.

He said this while speaking at the officiating ceremony of the Sarawakku Sayang 2026 programme for the Limbang Division at the Limbang Sports Complex on Saturday, which was officiated by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

He added that the provision of comprehensive connectivity infrastructure would position Limbang and Lawas as key gateways in northern Sarawak.

“With complete infrastructure in place, Limbang and Lawas have the potential to become main entry points in the northern region. Electricity supply in Lawas has now been connected to the State Grid, while Limbang will also be linked to the same system,” he said.

In a related development, he noted that Limbang still relies on fossil fuel-based power generators, which incur high costs due to rising oil prices.

In this regard, he expressed hope that the connection to the state grid system could be expedited, alongside further improvements and expansion of telecommunications coverage.

“With these facilities, we are confident that the development of Limbang and Lawas can be accelerated more effectively,” he said.

Elaborating further, he noted that the government is also aiming to develop Limbang and Lawas as education hubs and centres for skills development for communities in the northern region.

“Our aspiration is to make Limbang and Lawas hubs for education and centres for community skills development in northern Sarawak,” he added.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Cabinet Ministers, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, as well as other invited guests. -UKASnews