PANTU – Thirteen proposed and ongoing projects with an estimated combined value of RM500 million are expected to strengthen infrastructure and support development in Pantu District.
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts and Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the projects involve funding from the Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA), Sri Aman District Council (MDSA) and several government agencies.
Among the largest projects is the 42-kilometre Muding-Tuba-Mentu Road, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and the Public Works Department (JKR) at an estimated cost of RM265.5 million.
Snowdan said several other road projects were also either proposed, tendered or under implementation, including the proposed Menangknin/Menuang Road project, which is estimated to cost RM77.5 million.
Another proposed project is the Batang Strap-Sapak-Isu-Munggu Ubah road, with an estimated cost of RM60.3 million. The Jalan Sebemban/Gayau project, valued at RM38.2 million, has already been tendered.
The Jalan Munggu Ubah project, meanwhile, is estimated to cost RM35.8 million and is expected to be completed in May 2027.
Snowdan outlined the projects during the Randau Ruai Programme with YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan at Rumah Augustine Entika in Rapak Tepus on Tuesday.
Other infrastructure proposals include the construction of Pantu Jetty, estimated at RM2.3 million, under JKR, as well as a RM6 million drainage project to be undertaken by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage.
Several smaller rural access projects are also included in the development plans. These comprise the Abok orchard road, costing about RM782,000, and the Kampung Limau orchard road, estimated at RM1.42 million, through SADA and the Agriculture Department.
The proposed development programme also includes a road to Wong Jaban, also known as Jaong Pantu, with an estimated cost of RM4.625 million.
A further RM1.3 million has been proposed for a road to Wong Beranggong, also known as Abok, through SADA and MDSA. Other proposals include a garden road at Bukit Kukuk, Sungai Merah, estimated at RM894,000.
Plans also include an initial project to establish a new site for the Pantu District Office, with an estimated allocation of RM5 million.
Snowdan said the proposed projects, together with those already being implemented, were expected to contribute to improvements in basic infrastructure, road connectivity and living conditions for rural communities in the district.
“Therefore, I hope that all the proposals, including the projects currently being implemented, can have a major impact on the development of Pantu District, especially in terms of basic facilities, road networks and the well-being of rural residents,” he said.
The range of projects covers major road construction as well as smaller-scale access, drainage, public facilities and administrative infrastructure. Their proposed implementation would extend development activity beyond the district’s main transport routes to rural communities and agricultural areas.
The announcement also included direct assistance for the local community. Snowdan allocated RM15,000 under the Rural Minor Project (MRP) programme to the Rapak Tepus Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).
An additional RM5,000 was allocated to the committee’s Women’s Bureau. The allocations were announced during the same programme.
Together, the proposed infrastructure projects and community allocations form part of efforts to address local development needs in Pantu, with road access and basic facilities among the key areas identified.
