Kuching: The recently tabled 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) places comprehensive emphasis on national infrastructure development, including in Sarawak. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the Works Ministry (KKR) carries a major responsibility in implementing infrastructure development, as without good roads, it would be difficult to deliver other services such as education, healthcare and safety.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nanta highlighted the critical role of roads in reaching rural areas, emphasizing their importance for various developmental services, including education and healthcare. He mentioned that while school projects are under the Ministry of Education, their implementation and monitoring fall under the responsibility of the Public Works Department (JKR). This inter-agency cooperation is crucial for public benefit, Nanta asserted during a press conference following the handover ceremony of the completed Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Rantau Panjang.
Nanta, who is also Kapit MP, noted that the project in the Sungai Batang Rajang area, which involves constructing a main road from Nanga Serau to Nanga Seranau and is part of the 13MP, remains in its preliminary stages with no set implementation date. The proposed road is expected to cover approximately 70 kilometers, benefiting thousands of residents, including those in villages, longhouses, and nearby schools and clinics.
Regarding the Sarawak Trans Borneo Highway project, Nanta explained that it consists of three phases, beginning from Tudan to Kuala Baram in the Miri division, near the Malaysia-Brunei border checkpoint, and ending in the Limbang division without entering Brunei. This project is an extension of the Pan Borneo Highway and is anticipated to significantly impact economic development and connectivity, especially in areas like Limbang, a key town in northern Sarawak.
In his earlier remarks, Nanta assured that JKR would continue to monitor all aspects of post-handover maintenance to ensure the project functions properly and meets required specifications. He emphasized that the successful completion and timely handover of two additional projects demonstrate the MADANI Government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises through quality projects that are completed on schedule and add value to the community.