BETONG – The XPDC 3.0 programme has begun its latest field journey from Betong towards Ulu Skrang, with Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas leading the expedition on 12 August 2026.
The journey officially started at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall in Betong before the team proceeded towards Ulu Skrang as part of a two-day programme scheduled for 12 and 13 August.
The expedition is being carried out as part of the ongoing efforts by JKR Sarawak to assess infrastructure and accessibility in rural and interior areas.
During the programme, the team is expected to review conditions on the ground in Ulu Skrang, Ulu Kota and Ulu Entabai.
The field inspection is intended to provide a clearer understanding of existing infrastructure conditions and the accessibility challenges faced by communities in the affected areas.
The programme also seeks to identify areas where improvements to basic facilities may be required.
Better infrastructure and improved accessibility are regarded as important factors in strengthening connections between rural communities and other areas.
For communities living in interior locations, the condition of roads and other basic infrastructure can have a direct bearing on access and connectivity.
XPDC 3.0 therefore provides an opportunity for the relevant authorities to observe local conditions directly while assessing possible areas for further attention.
The programme forms part of the wider XPDC series organised by JKR Sarawak, which involves visits to areas where infrastructure and accessibility conditions require assessment.
The latest expedition places particular attention on Ulu Skrang, Ulu Kota and Ulu Entabai, with the team travelling through the areas to examine infrastructure conditions and local accessibility.
The initiative is also linked to the Connecting The Last Mile approach, which focuses on extending infrastructure connectivity to communities that are located in rural and interior areas.
Under this approach, infrastructure development is intended to reach communities beyond the main urban and more accessible centres.
The programme is being carried out alongside JKR Sarawak’s broader efforts under its We Build For You initiative.
The initiative reflects the department’s focus on ensuring that infrastructure development continues to serve communities across Sarawak, including those in areas that can be more difficult to access.
The field-based nature of XPDC 3.0 allows infrastructure conditions to be reviewed directly rather than relying only on information collected from other sources.
The assessment can also help identify specific areas where improvements to facilities or connectivity may be needed.
For local communities, better access can support day-to-day movement and improve links between settlements and other parts of the state.
The expedition is also expected to strengthen attention on infrastructure requirements in the interior, where geographical conditions can present additional challenges.
The two-day programme began in Betong on 12 August and will continue through 13 August.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas is leading the expedition, with the JKR Sarawak team accompanying the journey towards the identified areas.
The programme’s focus remains on reviewing existing infrastructure, assessing accessibility and identifying potential requirements for improvements to basic facilities and connectivity.
The latest XPDC expedition demonstrates the continued involvement of JKR Sarawak in field assessments across the state.
Its work includes examining infrastructure conditions in areas where improved connectivity may contribute to the well-being of local communities.
The programme also carries the message of #WeBuildForYou, reflecting JKR Sarawak’s stated commitment to infrastructure development for communities throughout Sarawak.
As XPDC 3.0 progresses towards Ulu Skrang and the surrounding areas, the field team will continue its assessment of infrastructure and accessibility conditions.
The findings from the programme are expected to help provide a clearer picture of infrastructure needs in Ulu Skrang, Ulu Kota and Ulu Entabai.
The expedition is part of broader efforts to improve connectivity and ensure that infrastructure development remains responsive to the needs of communities, including those in rural and interior parts of Sarawak.
