Completion of bridge, road a game changer for Marudi, says Dr Penguang
KUCHING: Marudi is poised to develop at a faster pace once major infrastructures such as Marudi Bridge and the proposed 60km Marudi-Long Terawan road are completed in the not too distant future.
Marudi assemblyman Datu Dr Penguang Manggil said the two major infrastructures would be the catalyst to transform the district into a division.
“In fact, these basic infrastructures are long overdue. But, we cannot expect major infrastructure such as bridges and roads to take off overnight. We need to plan and have the money to implement them.
“As such, when these projects are completed, they will not only facilitate mobility but will also assist us in opening up more land for development,” Dr Penguang said when contacted yesterday.
He revealed that the proposed Marudi-Long Terawan road would cost up to RM431 million, to provide easier access to the renowned Mulu National Park.
“More tourists will be able to visit the park, and more income could be generated from the tourism-related industry. The people will also benefit.
“The road completion will definitely promote culture, adventure and nature ( CAN) tourism among tourists as we have all the ingredients to make tourism a major economic contributor for the district,” said Dr Penguang.
The Mulu National Park can only be reached by air or by boat, which may take eight hours from Miri and a few hours from Marudi.
On Marudi itself, Dr Penguang, who is also Assistant Minister of Local Government, said the buiding of a RM17-million river retaining wall and the RM23-million waterfront had been approved.
“Once completed, there will be more things to see in Marudi, to complement what we already have such as Fort Hose. With the annual Baram Regatta, we can expect the town to be more vibrant,” he said.
On Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s visit to Marudi yesterday, Dr Penguang said he was thankful to them and the people for their support.
“Both leaders show they really care for the people of Marudi. They made such an effort to visit us because they can see the our potential,” he said.
On politics, he is optimistic that Baram MP Anyi Ngau would defend the seat and win it with a bigger majority in the general election as the people could see that the government was sincere in developing the district.
“I am confident we can deliver the seat for BN, and with a bigger majority.”
In the last general election, Anyi won with a slim majority of only 194 votes against PKR’s Roland Engan and Independent candidate Patrick Sibat Sujang.