MARUDI – The Sarawak Government has unveiled a major infrastructure initiative aimed at balancing development with environmental protection through the Miri-Marudi-Mulu-Long Terawan-Long Iman Road Project (MMMLL).
The project, valued at RM3.8 billion, will introduce elevated road systems across sensitive forest and wetland areas in Baram. Officials say this approach is designed to minimise deforestation, safeguard biodiversity, and preserve fragile ecosystems while improving connectivity for rural communities.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas explained that conventional road construction methods would have caused significant ecological disruption. “The road will pass through forests, pit areas and hilly zones.
If we use conventional methods, the impact is quite significant. That is why the government is implementing the elevated road initiative to ensure development goes on but the landscape remains protected,” he said during the launch ceremony.
The event was officiated by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, who underscored the state’s commitment to sustainable development under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. The strategy places strong emphasis on environmental sustainability alongside economic growth.
Datuk Amar Douglas noted that similar technologies have been adopted in countries such as China and Brunei, where elevated roads have been used to protect ecosystems while enabling infrastructure expansion.
The MMMLL project will cover 142 kilometres of highways, including toll sections, and 33 kilometres of spur roads. Construction plans also feature nine major bridges and 14 minor bridges, designed to improve mobility and reduce travel times across the Baram region.
Officials hope the project will be completed within 36 months, ahead of the original 48-month schedule. The accelerated timeline is expected to deliver benefits sooner, including improved access for residents, enhanced tourism opportunities, and new avenues for land and commercial development.
“The MMMLL project will not only improve the mobility of the people but also create new economic opportunities including tourism, land development and social and commercial activities in the rural areas,” Datuk Amar Douglas added.
The launch ceremony was attended by several senior figures, including Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Lari, Deputy Minister of Water Resources Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Telang Usan Assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau, Baram MP Dato Anyi Ngau, and RECODA Chief Executive Officer Miri Galong Luang.
Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort between government agencies and development councils to ensure the project delivers both infrastructure improvements and environmental safeguards.
The MMMLL initiative is expected to become a model for future projects in Sarawak, demonstrating how modern engineering can support growth while protecting natural landscapes.
