SARIKEI: The Sarawak government has given the green light for the implementation of three major infrastructure projects in the Central Region, which are expected to have a major impact on the development of Sarikei and the surrounding area.

The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said, the project will not only benefit the local population, but also have a positive impact on the entire people of Sarawak.

The three important projects are the upgrading of Jalan Bintangor to Sarikei along 14 kilometers from JKR standard U3 to U5.

This route is the main link between Sarikei, Bintangor and Sibu, and will improve the comfort and safety of road users.

The construction of a 300 meter long bridge that will connect the Tanah Putih area in Sarikei to the Bugis Ditch, Bukit Huang and Muara Payang inhabited by communities including Malays, Bugis, Ibans and Chinese.
The bridge is expected to be the main catalyst for the development of surrounding areas such as Sungai Baji Agro Park which is being developed as a modern agropark.

The construction of the JKR U3 road from Jalan Pasi to the 11-kilometer Pan Borneo Highway will strengthen the road network that connects Sarikei to other parts including Betong, Sri Aman, Bintulu and inland areas such as Kapit, Song, and Kanowit.

According to Abang Johari, the allocation for these projects will be worked on in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), specifically through the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA).

"The Bintangor-Sarikei road is funded through RMK-13. As for the Parit Bugis bridge, which we are planning as a modern agricultural area, it is no longer just a traditional garden like in Sungai Baji Agro Park," he said at the Batang Rajang Bridge Inauguration Ceremony here today.
He stressed that the success of the project's implementation also depends on the harmony and unity of the people of Sarawak which is the main strength of the state government in obtaining allocations.

"Sarawak is strong because our politics is stable through Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)," he said.