MARUDI: The implementation of the Miri–Marudi–Mulu (Kuala Melinau) and Long Lama–Long Panai (MMMLL) Road Project Package 2, Phase 1 is being carried out alongside initiatives to construct and upgrade rural bridges, strengthening connectivity and accessibility in the interior areas of Baram.

The integrated effort reflects the Sarawak Government’s commitment to ensuring that infrastructure development is implemented inclusively, thereby narrowing the development gap between urban and rural areas.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the launch of the second MMMLL package demonstrates the government’s determination to realise its development agenda through tangible action on the ground.

“Today we are witnessing the launch of the second MMMLL package, which proves that the government’s commitment is not merely rhetoric, but is translated into the implementation of projects that directly benefit the people.

“This initiative is an important step towards expanding facilities in a fair and inclusive manner to all Sarawakians, including those in Baram,” he said when speaking at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony here on Monday.

According to him, the KOP2 project involves the construction of a new 6.25-kilometre road from Simpang Puyot to Sungai Kalijau, built to JKR R3 standards, and forms part of the overall MMMLL project valued at RM3.8 billion, which is expected to be completed within 48 months.

Once completed, the project is expected to benefit approximately 404,679 residents in Miri, particularly in Baram, through improved access to education, healthcare services, and new economic opportunities, including in the tourism and commercial sectors.

At the same time, the state government has approved 50 projects under the Rural Bridge Transformation Programme in the Mulu and Telang Usan state constituencies, with an allocation exceeding RM80 million.

For the Mulu constituency, a total of 22 projects have been implemented with an allocation of RM44.33 million, covering new construction, repairs, tender processes, and completed works.

Meanwhile, for the Telang Usan constituency, RM36.14 million has been allocated to replace and repair 28 damaged timber bridges, including projects under construction, completed, undergoing repairs, as well as those at the tender and design stages.

He emphasised that the implementation of these road and bridge projects will not only enhance mobility for residents, but also strengthen rural connectivity, including reducing travel time from Miri to Mulu from approximately nine hours to just two hours.

In addition, he urged the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) to expedite the implementation of the projects so that they can be completed before the monsoon season in November.

Also present were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and Mulu Assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government and Marudi Assemblyman Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Telang Usan Assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau, RECODA Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development Chiew Chee Yau, and Miri Division Resident Galong Luang. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng