KUCHING – The Sarawak state government has stepped up efforts to bolster regional development by investing heavily in connectivity and human capital, officials confirmed at a recent state celebration.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that broadening access to transport infrastructure is essential to spur equitable economic growth, particularly for outlying and rural communities.
A key undertaking is the Second Trunk Road (STR), a 225-kilometre stretch from the Samarahan Bridge to the Roban interchange, undertaken using state funds and valued at RM5.58 billion. The STR is designed to link rural sectors more directly to the Pan Borneo Highway network.
In parallel, the government is constructing an 896-kilometre Coastal Highway at a projected cost of RM5.42 billion.
Once completed, targeted for 2027, it will connect a chain of coastal towns from Kota Samarahan through to Miri, integrating them with the Pan Borneo Highway corridor.
Abang Johari further pointed to developments in northern Sarawak. The Sarawak–Sabah Link Road Phase 2 (SSLR 2), spanning 335 km with an investment of RM7.6 billion, was recently inaugurated and is expected to reach completion by mid-2029.
He noted plans to construct a Northern Coastal Highway to complement SSLR 2, enhancing interstate linkages with Sabah and Brunei.
Beyond roads, the Premier underscored that fostering a skilled workforce is equally vital. From 2026 onwards, Sarawak will launch free higher education at state-owned institutions such as Swinburne (Sarawak campus), Curtin Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), and i-CATS University College. The scheme is limited to those institutions under state jurisdiction.
The first year’s cost is estimated at over RM400 million, with cumulative expense expected to surpass RM1 billion by the third year.
The state anticipates supporting approximately 10,000 students annually with the programme. The funds will be borne by state coffers, according to the Premier.
Abang Johari made the remarks during the parade and mass gathering in conjunction with the 79th Official Birthday of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, held at Padang Merdeka. Also, present were the state’s deputy premiers, federal and state ministers, and other dignitaries.
These combined initiatives, transport expansion and education reform, are poised to reshape Sarawak’s developmental trajectory.
Authorities highlight that beyond moving goods and people, enabling broader access to tertiary education could produce a more capable and competitive workforce for the state’s evolving economy.