KUCHING: The Phase 1 of the Padawan road upgrading project in Serian Division has reached 35.89 per cent completion.

The Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak said the RM73.96 million project implemented under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) is scheduled for completion on Feb 7, 2027.

Earlier Monday (Oct 20), Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also MIPD minister, visited the project site and was briefed on the project’s progress by JKR Serian.

The department, in a statement, said the 14.9-kilometre road upgrade aims to improve safety, efficiency and comfort for motorists along a route that has long faced horizontal and vertical alignment challenges.

Once completed, the upgraded road will benefit around 6,000 residents from Kampung Mundai, Kampung Simpok, Kampung Peraya, Kampung Stabut, Kampung Kirian, Kampung Sira and Pekan Teng Bukap, providing better access to schools, clinics, houses of worship and government offices.

The project is also expected to spur local tourism and open new opportunities for growth in the housing, agriculture and plantation sectors along the corridor.

Its scope of work includes road construction and completion in accordance with JKR’s R3 standards, reinforced concrete culverts and drainage systems, relocation and protection of water pipelines, slope rehabilitation and stabilisation works using soil nailing and guniting, installation of additional P-turn traffic lights, street lighting and gantry signboards, as well as resurfacing at the main road entrance.

JKR Sarawak also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the state government’s efforts to enhance infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas to ensure inclusive and sustainable development across the state.