LAWAS – A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Sunday for the construction of a new road linking Kampung Murud Suang to Persimpangan Long Pos, Lawas.
The project, officiated by Deputy Premier of Sarawak YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan, represents a significant step forward in improving rural connectivity in the Batang Trusan area.
The initiative falls under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, with the Sarawak Irrigation and Drainage Department serving as the implementing agency.
It is part of the Rural Roads Programme, which aims to enhance accessibility for communities in remote regions.
With an allocation of RM125 million, the project will cover the construction of an 8.82-kilometre paved road, a spur road, and two major bridges crossing Sungai Sebulu and Sungai Trusan.
These upgrades are expected to replace the limited dirt tracks and existing routes that residents have relied upon for years.
Local communities have long faced challenges in commuting to schools, markets, and Bandar Lawas due to poor road conditions.
The new infrastructure is anticipated to ease daily travel, reduce journey times, and improve safety for residents.
Beyond immediate convenience, the project is also expected to stimulate economic growth by strengthening trade and communication networks across the region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah highlighted the importance of the project in uplifting rural communities.
He expressed confidence that the improved road network would not only benefit residents but also contribute to broader regional development.
The construction of the bridges across Sungai Sebulu and Sungai Trusan is seen as a crucial component, as these crossings have historically posed difficulties during adverse weather conditions.
Once completed, the bridges will provide reliable year-round access, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity between villages and towns.
Observers note that the project reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to rural development, aligning with broader efforts to reduce disparities between urban and rural areas.
The investment is also expected to encourage greater participation in economic activities, particularly in agriculture and small-scale enterprises, which form the backbone of the local economy.
Community leaders have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the project will be completed on schedule and deliver long-term benefits.
Many believe that improved infrastructure will help retain youth in rural areas by providing better access to education, employment, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a development that is set to transform mobility and connectivity in Lawas.
Once completed, the road is expected to stand as a vital link for residents, reinforcing the government’s vision of inclusive growth and sustainable rural progress.
