MUKAH: Connectivity in Mukah Division continues to be strengthened through an allocation of RM1.432 billion under the Sarawak Coastal Road Programme, involving the upgrading of 131.95 kilometres of road from Balingian to Tanjung Manis and the construction of three major bridges.

Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said comprehensive infrastructure development is vital in driving economic and social growth, as well as improving the well-being of the people in the division.

"Economic and social development cannot progress well without proper infrastructure. Roads, bridges, water and electricity supply are all important in the daily lives of the people," she said.

She said this during the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) Programme for Mukah Division 2026, which was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at Dataran Setia Raja Mukah on Saturday.

Dato Sri Fatimah added that the RM1.432 billion allocation also covers the construction of the Batang Igan Bridge, Batang Paloh Bridge and Muara Lassa Bridge.

She said the developments have improved connectivity between districts in Mukah Division, facilitated the movement of residents and opened up greater opportunities for economic activities.

In addition, five road sections have been identified for upgrading at a total cost of RM591.3 million, including Jalan Sungai Nai/Tanjung Gelang in Pulau Bruit; Jalan Oya By Pass and Jalan Oya-Dalat; Jalan Kuala Balingian/Mukah-Bintulu Border; as well as two overtaking lane projects on Jalan Mukah-Matadeng and Jalan Mukah-Oya.

On water supply, as of August 2026, 84.85 per cent of the population in Mukah Division has access to treated water, while several projects under the Sarawak Water Supply Grid involve a total expenditure of RM200.2 million.

For electricity supply, the Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) project in Nanga Baoh, Dalat, worth RM13.1 million, will benefit 1,166 residents in nine longhouses.

Meanwhile, applications for electricity connections under the ALAF programme involve 1,106 houses at a cost of RM22.1 million.

Also present were Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Sarawak Cabinet Ministers, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak and Federal Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, State Legislative Assembly members, Mukah Division Resident Bujang Rahman Seli and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng