Funds Will Upgrade Infrastructure and Improve Access to Clean Water
Sarawak is set to allocate RM6 billion by 2030 for rural water supply projects, according to Premier Abang Johari Openg. This investment will fund the construction of water treatment plants and the replacement of outdated pipes to improve water delivery to rural areas.
The premier shared that RM4 billion of this total is part of the “people’s project” and is already underway. Additionally, another RM600 million will be invested through the 13th Malaysia Plan. An estimated RM1.1 billion will be directed towards replacing old pipes to prevent burst incidents and improve reliability.
“We’re working on these projects now, as part of our ongoing efforts to upgrade the infrastructure and enhance water supply systems in rural regions,” said Abang Johari after launching the Batang Lassa Bridge in Daro, Mukah.
The bridge, which spans 2,430 meters over the Batang Lassa River, connects Daro to Pulau Bruit. Work on the bridge began in March 2019 and was completed in January 2025 at a cost of nearly RM600 million. It is part of Sarawak’s coastal road project and will improve access for rural residents, especially those who once depended on ferry services to cross the river.
Abang Johari also highlighted plans to build the Batang Paloh Bridge, expected to connect Pulau Bruit to Serdeng by next year. This is expected to further boost economic opportunities across the entire Rajang Valley.
“Local markets aren’t enough. We must think globally, utilizing the internet to market our products abroad, which will raise our income,” he advised local youth during the event.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas, who was also present, noted that nine bridge projects are currently under construction in the state and are set for completion this year. These are part of a broader RM5.9 billion initiative involving 16 bridge projects. So far, two bridges, the Marudi and Muara Lassa bridges, have been completed.
Several other bridges are also expected to finish this year, including the Rajang Bridge, Bintulu-Jepak Iconic Cable Bridge, and Lingga River Bridge. Others like the Sejingkat, Batang Lupar 1, and Saribas 1 bridges are on track for completion in the coming months.
Looking ahead, five more bridges, including the Batang Lupar 2 and Paloh bridges, are slated for completion by 2026, with the Rambungan Bridge in Kuching expected to be completed by 2027.
As for the coastal road project, Uggah mentioned that the RM5.42 billion project connecting Lundu-Sempadi to Miri has reached 80% completion and is on track to finish by 2027. Furthermore, the 225km second trunk road between Kuching and Sibu is 30% completed and expected to open by 2028.