BETONG: The naming of Jalan Lubok Tamang, officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, opens a new chapter in rural infrastructure development while accelerating accessibility and stimulating the local economy.

The road naming ceremony was held at the junction of the road, here on Friday.

Earlier, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari and other dignitaries received a project briefing from Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak Director Datu Dr Cassidy Morris before officiating the symbolic unveiling of the Jalan Lubok Tamang signboard.

The 9.5-kilometre (km) road connects Kampung Suri to Kampung Manggut and Kampung Tuie, Debak, benefiting approximately 3,000 residents in the area.

The RM35 million project, fully completed in April 2023, involved the construction of a paved road as well as two bridges spanning Sungai Jerai and Sungai Lubok Selubang.

With the completion of the route, travel time has been shortened, while connectivity in rural areas has improved and new economic opportunities have opened up for the locals.

More significantly, the road is expected to serve as the main access route to the Lubok Tamang Agropark area, which has the potential to transform the economic landscape of Saribas through modern agricultural development.

In a related development, the Sarawak Premier was also briefed on the Lubok Tamang Agropark Development Project by Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) General Manager Datu Sr Zaidi Mahdi.

The 763-hectare integrated project includes the development of an agricultural area, a tourism centre, a processing and collection centre and a future development zone with pandan coconut as the main crop.

The agropark is expected to produce up to 10 million coconuts annually, thereby increasing export potential and reducing dependence on imports of the commodity.

In addition, the project will strengthen the local agropreneur ecosystem through job creation, training opportunities and active participation in modern farming practices.

The project, implemented under the Projek Rakyat initiative, is scheduled to begin in June 2026, with planting to be carried out in phases over a 20-month period.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam and Betong Member of Parliament Dato Dr Richard Rapu. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo: Ameerul Syafiq Khir
Translator: Nerissa Sia