(From left) Awang Tengah, Rubiah and other guests in a photo call at the groundbreaking ceremony for the road construction project.

KUCHING (April 27): The construction of a new road linking Kampung Murud Suang to the Long Pos junction in Lawas is set to boost rural connectivity and support economic growth in the area.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the RM112.7 million project, a federal initiative under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, is being implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak.

“Projects that have been approved and allocated funding, even if not in full, must be implemented immediately.

“If we wait until full allocations are disbursed, we will only continue waiting without action,” he said at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony in Kampung Murud Suang on Sunday.

He stressed that the appointed contractor must adhere strictly to the project timeline and specifications, with continuous monitoring to ensure quality delivery.

Awang Tengah, who is Bukit Sari assemblyman, also called on villagers to cooperate, particularly in matters involving land acquisition.

“We will ensure that all affected land, including native customary land with proof of ownership, will be compensated accordingly, including for any crops,” he said.

He emphasised that such infrastructure development would open up more economic opportunities and improve the standard of living of the people in Lawas.

At the same time, he said strong cooperation and unity must be maintained.

“We should not be influenced by a small group who prioritise personal interests at the expense of community harmony,” he added.

Also present were Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong, and DID Sarawak director Datu Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi.