BETONG – The upgrading of roads in Ulu Rimbas has officially begun, with the RM? project expected to improve rural connectivity and directly benefit about 1,577 residents across 12 communities in the area.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Jalan Ulu Rimbas, Betong Upgrade Project was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas on Saturday, marking the start of a major infrastructure improvement programme for the rural road network.
The project covers an alignment of approximately 20.233 kilometres and is scheduled for implementation over 24 months. Construction is targeted for completion in July 2028.
Of the total alignment, 18.709 kilometres of existing roads will be upgraded to the JKR R3 road standard, with a carriageway width of seven metres.
The works will cover several existing routes, including 10.193 kilometres of Jalan Ulu Rimbas, 2.718 kilometres of Jalan Ulu Babu, 1.360 kilometres of the Nanga Bayor route and 4.439 kilometres of the Ulu Bayor route.
The project will also include surface upgrading along 1.524 kilometres of the Access Road to Keribau. The works will involve installing a 50-millimetre-thick wearing course over the existing concrete road.
Other components include drainage improvements and the installation of road furniture such as traffic signs, road markings and safety barriers. Street lighting and utility relocation works are also included in the project scope.
Once completed, the upgraded road network is expected to provide safer, more comfortable and efficient travel for residents and other road users in Ulu Rimbas.
Improved access is expected to have a direct impact on the daily movement of local communities, including students travelling to SK Nanga Gayau and SMK Saribas.
The upgraded routes are also expected to make it easier for residents to reach healthcare facilities, including Debak Health Clinic and Betong Hospital.
The project is therefore expected to serve not only as a road improvement initiative but also as an important connection between rural communities and essential services.
During his speech at the ceremony, Douglas congratulated Nanga Pek Longhouse on its 14th anniversary. He also announced an agreement to construct a P-turn at Ulu Rimbas, intended to improve safety and traffic flow for road users.
The Deputy Premier also highlighted the Sarawak Government’s development objectives under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), including efforts to raise household income and strengthen the socio-economic position of communities.
He cited a target of RM15,000 in household income per family, with agriculture-related assistance and subsidies among the measures being used to support the sector. These include support involving fertiliser, pepper and palm oil.
Tourism development was another area raised during the ceremony. Douglas referred to efforts by the Sarawak Government since 2017 to develop Bebuling Airport as a potential catalyst for tourism activity.
He also pointed to historical attractions, including the Rentap replica at Bukit Sadok, as having potential to contribute to the area’s tourism appeal.
Agricultural development was also highlighted through plans involving an Agropark covering about 700 hectares. The development is viewed as having potential to support agricultural activity and contribute to the local economy.
The road project is expected to complement these broader development efforts by improving physical access to communities and economic areas in Ulu Rimbas.
Douglas also reminded residents to take precautions during periods of haze, including wearing face masks to reduce exposure and protect their health.
With construction now under way, the 20.233-kilometre project is scheduled to progress over the next 24 months, with completion targeted for July 2028.
