MULU – The ongoing Sarawak State Log Road Upgrading Project Phase IV is set to transform rural connectivity and stimulate socio-economic growth in the interior of Mulu.
The project, which has achieved 51 percent physical progress, is being implemented under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and is regarded as a strategic initiative to strengthen the rural road network.
Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and Mulu State Assemblyman (ADUN), said the upgraded road will serve as a vital link between villages and towns, while opening up new opportunities for the local community.
“When fully completed, this road will facilitate the movement of residents to schools, clinics, police stations and markets. More importantly, it will stimulate economic activities such as tourism, agriculture and trade in local produce,” he said during a monitoring visit to Long Tungan and Ba Muboi on Tuesday.
The project is expected to benefit hundreds of rural residents by providing safer, more reliable access to essential services. It will also reduce travel time and improve logistics for local businesses, particularly in agriculture and eco-tourism, which are key economic drivers in the Mulu area.
Datuk Gerawat expressed appreciation to the Public Works Department (JKR) and the implementing contractor Fastart Sdn Bhd for their commitment in ensuring smooth progress despite challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain and logistical constraints.
“I hope this project can be completed according to schedule so that rural residents can enjoy more comfortable and safe road facilities as soon as possible,” he added.
The upgrading of former logging roads is part of Sarawak’s wider strategy to modernise rural infrastructure. Similar projects, such as the Jelalong logging road upgrade in Bintulu and the Marudi-Mulu road project, are also underway, reflecting the state’s determination to improve accessibility and reduce isolation in interior regions.
The Mulu initiative is expected to act as a catalyst for rural transformation, enabling better access to markets, healthcare, and education, while also supporting Sarawak’s long-term vision of balanced and inclusive development.
The site visit was also attended by Telang Usan District Officer Ezra Uda, Miri Public Works Division Engineer Ir. Stephen Ung Neng Hui, and Fastart Sdn Bhd Managing Director Tommy Raymond Jok, who reaffirmed their commitment to completing the project on time.
Once completed, the upgraded road will not only improve daily life for residents but also strengthen Mulu’s position as a gateway for eco-tourism, given its proximity to the world-renowned Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
