‘Pan Borneo Highway, Trusan Dam projects will boost devt’
KUCHING: Construction of the Pan Borneo Highway and the Trusan Dam is set to boost economic activities and social growth in northern Sarawak.
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said it is also hoped that the Pan Borneo Highway will be connected to the 30km Temburong bridge which is still under construction by the Brunei Darussalam government.
“The northern part of Sarawak has a very bright potential with these two projects,” said Abang Johari at a ‘ Badudun Aidilfitri’ event at Dewan Hikmah here yesterday, jointly organised by Pertubuhan Kebajikan Dangsanak Limbang Kuching and Persatuan Anak Jati Lawas.
The idea of aligning the Pan Borneo Highway to connect Limbang-Temburong bridge, he added, was agreed to by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also Bukit Sari assemblyman.
“This will give Limbang a sound road connection that can further spur development in the area,” said Abang Johari.
Recently, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said phase two of the Pan Borneo Highway involving the LimbangLawas proposed stretch had been handed over to a technical committee to decide whether the alignment should be done through Brunei Darussalam or an alternative route - a decision which is expected to be revealed in October this year.
The northern part of Sarawak has a very bright potential with these two projects.
Abang Johari also said the government had agreed to continue the construction of the Trusan Dam to generate energy and supply clean water to Limbang and Lawas.
Besides that, he added, the dam could be turned into a tourism destination which would benefit the local community economically.
On another note, the chief minister said it was an honour for him to be made the patron of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Dangsanak Limbang Kuching and Persatuan Anak Jati Lawas.
“I was born in Limbang but raised in Kuching,” he said, adding that a person would always remember where they were born.
He said that was the reason why, as soon as he was appointed as the chief minister, he visited Limbang to see what type of development could bring benefits to the division.
Despite being born in Limbang and his deputy Awang Tengah being born in Lawas, he assured that the state government would be not be biased in carrying out its policies and development projects.
“We are both in service to Sarawak and will bring fair and equal developments to the people regardless of their race,” he added.
Abang Johari also said the usage of technology would spur the growth of the state’s digital economy.
“Digital economy has no boundaries, no divisions, because as long as you have the knowledge of science, maths, ICT and are skilful in using gadgets, a person can be able to improve their own economy and the state’s economy,” he added.
Among those at the event were Deputy MinisterofDomestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Datuk Henry Sum Agong, Limbang MP Hasbi Habibolah, Bukit Kota assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang.
Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister