Sarawak aims for full rural road connectivity by 2030, says Uggah

June 18,2025

By:Samuel Aubrey

KUCHING (June 18): The Sarawak government under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is committed to ensuring all rural settlements in the state are linked by road access by 2030, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.

In a statement today, Uggah emphasised that this ambitious goal can be achieved through the implementation of key infrastructure projects under the jurisdiction of the state’s nine regional development agencies.

He stressed the importance of these agencies being able to efficiently utilise their allocations – amounting to RM1.5 billion – for infrastructure and economic development initiatives intended to uplift rural communities.

“It becomes an issue if you (regional development agencies) are not able to do so. Our Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, expects the funds to be disbursed and used as soon as possible,” he said.

“People expect these allocations to be used to fulfill their expectations for better communication and better standard of living.

“If not, they will turn to social media to express their frustrations against the government and the elected representatives,” he added.

Uggah, who is also State Infrastructure and Port Development Minister, made these remarks during the officiation of a Highland Development Agency (HDA) laboratory today, where proposed projects and programmes under the 13th Malaysia Plan were presented.

According to him, the HDA has already channelled RM1 billion of its allocated funds towards various infrastructure and economic development projects.

Uggah, also the HDA chairman, expressed hope that the remaining RM500 million would be fully utilised by the middle of next year.

Highlighting challenges in the Baram region, Uggah pointed out that the area has numerous roads, especially old logging tracks that are in urgent need of maintenance, upgrades, or replacement bridges.

“The situation (there) is complicated. We must find long-term solutions,” he said, adding that he would lead a team from the Public Works Department (JKR) for a two-day site visit to Bario this July.

Touching on the HAD’s economic development efforts, Uggah noted that Bario holds strong potentials for agriculture, particularly coffee and passionfruit planting, as well as handicraft production and buffalo rearing.

“I understand there is a large wild buffalo population, though they belong to locals. I suggest the owners consider domesticating them,” he said.

He also mentioned the Meragang buffalo breeding station in Limbang, where cheese production from buffalo milk is being explored as part of agro-based industry initiatives.

Uggah added that Bario’s unique local customs and culture could also be harnessed to develop the tourism sector.

Accompanying Uggah were Baram MP Datuk Anyie Ngau, Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Marudi assemblyman Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau, and the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) chief executive officer Datu Ismawi Ismuni.