A 4WD vehicle is stuck in the muddy road between Buduk Nur to Puneng Kelalan last week.

MIRI (Jan 26): The federal Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) is urged to expedite the approval of additional funds for the proposed road construction from Long Kumap in Ba Kelalan to the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, and Security (CIQS) post at the Sarawak/Kalimantan border.

In making this call, Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian said that he has been receiving complaints from the community in the highlands about the worsening road conditions in recent weeks due to the rainy season.

“I have received alarming videos and photographs showing the dire condition of the existing road between Long Kumap and the CIQS. This stretch remains a muddy timber road, unsuitable as a key link between Sarawak and Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara.

“During the November 2024 State (Legislative) Assembly sitting, I raised this matter and recently received a written reply from the state minister for infrastructure. The minister confirmed that the Sarawak Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) has requested additional funding and is awaiting a response from the federal Ministry of Rural Development,” he added.

In urging its construction be given the highest priority, Baru emphasised that the road is a critical segment of Phase 2 of the Sabah Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) and holds immense significance as a gateway between Sarawak and Nusantara,

“Failure to address this issue promptly risks tarnishing Sarawak’s image as a reliable partner in regional connectivity.”

He said as Nusantara develops into a major hub, our infrastructure must reflect our commitment to progress and cooperation.

A well-constructed road will not only facilitate trade and movement but also enhance the socio-economic development of the Ba Kelalan constituency and beyond,” he added.

Baru said that the road from Long Kumap to the CIQS was previously allocated RM80 million by the KKDW a few years ago; however, it remains at a standstill due to insufficient funds.

He added that the DID, entrusted with implementing the project, has submitted a request for additional funds before commencing construction.

“As the elected representative for Ba Kelalan, I call on the federal Minister of Rural Development to ensure swift action on this matter. The people of Ba Kelalan and Sarawak deserve better, and we must not delay any further in delivering this crucial infrastructure,” he added.

Meanwhile, local transporter Singa Buas, 53, who frequently travels the road, said that apart from the stretch from Long Kumap to the CIQS at the Sarawak-Kalimantan border, other road sections severely damaged since last week include the section near Demaring, an area after Long Semadoh as well as the stretch from Buduk Nur to Puneng Kelalan in Ba Kelalan.

He said the conditions of these roads were impassable for many vehicles, with some four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles stuck in the mud and needing to be towed.

“We urge the Public Works Department (JKR) to come down and see for themselves the condition of these roads.

“We need these roads to be maintained regularly, especially during the rainy season. This is the only road that connects the people in the highlands of Ba Kelalan and beyond, including Kalimantan, with towns like Lawas,” he said.