KUCHING: The construction of the Short Bridge will serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development in the Demak Laut area as it is expected to benefit about 56,000 residents, in addition to strengthening the network of connections between Kuching and Samarahan.

Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the strategic infrastructure project will not only bring development to Demak Laut and Sejingkat, but also have a positive impact on the development of Sarawak as a whole.

According to him, the Tanjung Embang area which is part of Demak Laut with an area of ​​about 15,000 hectares has high potential to be developed as a new growth hub, including the proposed construction of a new airport and deep sea port.

"The Tanjung Embang area, which is part of Demak Laut with an area of ​​approximately 15,000 hectares, has the potential to be a large-scale development location, including the proposed construction of a new airport and a deep sea port," he said.

He said this when met by reporters after visiting the Sejingkat Bridge construction site on Tuesday.

In the meantime, the Demak Laut Assemblyman represented all the residents of Demak Laut, Petra Jaya and Kuching in expressing their appreciation to the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, the Sarawak Cabinet and the Ministry for Infrastructure and Port Development for their commitment to realising the project.

Datuk Dr Hazland said that Demak Laut, which currently has about 56,000 inhabitants involving 40 villages, is an extensive area, almost equivalent to half the area of Negeri Sembilan.

He also shared that Demak Laut will witness the implementation of five more housing projects in Tanjung Bako, Sejingkat, Gobil and Bako to meet the community’s settlement needs.

According to him, each project is expected to provide between 600 to more than 1,000 housing units, thus supporting the increase in population and boosting the development of the area.

He added that the implementation of infrastructure and housing development projects is believed to be able to improve the socioeconomic status of residents in Demak Laut and the surrounding areas of Kuching and Samarahan through a more efficient and systematic road network.

Also present was Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo. -UKASnews