MARUDI – The Sarawak Government has announced plans to convert all logging roads across the state into public highways, ensuring better connectivity for longhouses and rural villages.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg confirmed that the initiative will be fully funded by the state, with a dedicated task force led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas overseeing the upgrades.
“This is not just rhetoric; we will develop these roads using Sarawak’s own funds because we cannot wait for others,” the Premier said during the launch of the Miri-Marudi, Marudi-Mulu, and Long Lama-Long Panai (MMMLL) Road Project at the Marudi Industrial Light Area. He added, “For securing the funds for the project, leave it to me, as that is my responsibility as a leader.”
The Premier explained that the MMMLL project will serve as a model for transforming former logging roads into modern public routes.
He stressed that all logging road projects must be completed by 2030, aligning with Sarawak’s broader development agenda to improve rural mobility and daily life for communities in Baram and beyond.
The MMMLL project itself incorporates innovative engineering solutions, including an elevated road system built on pillars to minimise ground disturbance and enhance stability.
This method is supported by Highway Information Modelling (HIM), a digital simulation tool that factors in environmental conditions such as rainfall and wind before construction begins.
Officials highlighted that the use of elevated roads reflects Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development, ensuring that progress does not come at the expense of fragile ecosystems. The approach is expected to reduce soil erosion, improve safety, and extend the lifespan of the roads.
The announcement underscores Sarawak’s determination to accelerate infrastructure upgrades without relying on external funding.
By converting logging roads into public highways, the government aims to strengthen rural connectivity, support economic activities, and open new opportunities for tourism and land development.
The launch ceremony was attended by senior leaders including Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin (Minister of Transport), Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil (Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government and Marudi Assemblyman), Datuk Gerawat Gala (Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department and Mulu Assemblyman), Dato Dennis Ngau (Telang Usan Assemblyman), Dato Anyi Ngau (Baram MP), Datuk Ismawi Ismuni (CEO of RECODA), and Galong Luang (Miri Resident), alongside other distinguished guests.
The initiative is expected to transform Sarawak’s rural landscape, ensuring that communities long dependent on logging tracks will benefit from safer, more reliable public roads by the end of the decade.
