KAPIT – A long-awaited road project in Tunoh has been approved, paving the way for new settlement opportunities and socio-economic growth in the region. The initiative, announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, will see the construction of a seven-kilometre road designed to connect communities and support longhouse development.
Speaking at the ‘Merarau Bersama Komuniti’ event at Dewan Suarah Kapit on Thursday, the Premier emphasised that the project had been in planning for years and is now ready to be realised.
“This will create opportunities for us to develop longhouse areas. In fact, this was planned a long time ago, and today it has finally been settled, and we are moving forward with developing Tunoh,” he said.
The new road is expected to address long-standing connectivity challenges that have hindered development in Tunoh.
Improved access will not only facilitate settlement growth but also open doors for economic activities, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure has been limited.
Earlier in the day, the Premier officiated the new building of the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) and participated in the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for a new hotel in Kapit.
These projects form part of a broader development agenda aimed at modernising the division and enhancing its role as a hub for growth.
Abang Zohari highlighted that Sarawak is now shifting its focus towards socio-economic development after completing major infrastructure projects.
“Once the infrastructure is in place, the next phase is socio-economic development. We want to see how this road can positively impact the lives of the people, especially since Sarawak has already been recognised as a high-income region, and our goal now is to increase household incomes,” he explained.
The Premier also noted Sarawak’s growing international recognition, announcing that he will travel to Japan next week to receive The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, awarded by the Japanese government.
He described the honour as a reflection of global acknowledgement of Sarawak’s development strategies, particularly its emphasis on building a new economy based on energy and sound policies.
The event was attended by several senior leaders, including Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, and Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
Also, present were Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, deputy ministers, state assembly members, and department heads.
The Tunoh road project is expected to serve as a catalyst for settlement expansion, improved mobility, and stronger economic prospects for communities in Kapit.
With infrastructure now being prioritised, the state government is confident that Tunoh will emerge as a new centre for growth in the years ahead.
