BELAGA – The upgrading of former logging roads in Murum has reached a significant milestone, with Murum State Assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon personally inspecting progress on the ground.
The review focused on the road leading to Lusong Laku and the connecting routes to Long Lawen and Tegulang. These roads, once used primarily for logging, are now being transformed into vital access links for rural communities.
Kennedy was joined during the inspection by Ir Ts Jawa Gara, Division Engineer of the Kapit Public Works Department (JKR), and Jupitar Janin, representing the Belaga District Officer.
Their presence underscored the collaborative effort between government agencies and local authorities in ensuring the project’s success.
According to Kennedy, the upgraded section to Lusong Laku is now passable, offering improved accessibility for residents.
However, several components of the project remain ongoing, with works continuing to raise the overall safety and comfort standards of the route.
He expressed gratitude to the Belaga District and Kapit Division Disaster Management Committee, the Public Works Department, and other strategic partners for their commitment to strengthening connectivity in Murum.
“We are aware that these roads are critical for longhouses and rural settlements. Their completion will ensure safer travel and better access to essential services,” he said.
The initiative is part of a wider state effort to reclaim and upgrade former logging roads across Sarawak. The government has announced plans to convert thousands of kilometres of such roads into public highways by 2030, ensuring long-term maintenance under the Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS).
In Belaga specifically, the Public Works Department has committed RM38 million to road projects, including the Lusong Laku stretch, which will reduce travel time between Tegulang and Lusong Laku from six hours to just two once completed.
Kennedy has consistently highlighted the importance of these upgrades, noting that teachers, healthcare workers, and civil servants often rely on these routes to reach remote communities.
He previously raised concerns in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly about the unsafe condition of former logging roads, stressing that improvements are essential for both safety and economic growth.
The Murum road project continues to be closely monitored to ensure each phase is delivered on schedule.
Once fully completed, the upgraded network is expected to transform mobility for residents, connecting longhouses and settlements more effectively while supporting rural development initiatives.
