(Miri, 16th) Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari officiated the opening ceremony of the Marudi Bridge today, stating that the completion of the bridge not only shortens the distance between Marudi and Miri but also lays a solid foundation for local economic development and improvement of livelihood.
He mentioned that the Marudi area possesses rich cultural heritage and significant potential for agricultural development. In order to promote transportation links between Marudi and Miri, the government has long been committed to constructing this crucial infrastructure.
He highlighted that in addition to the Marudi Bridge, the Sarawak government plans to further enhance the area's road network under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan and with the support of the Northern Region Highland Development Authority. In the future, the government will improve the roads from Miri to the Marudi Bridge and extend them to Long Terawan and Long Iman.
“Our long-term goal is to create a complete road loop connecting Long Iman to Limbang and surrounding inland areas. If this goal is achieved, Baram will become an important hub for regional development.”
Furthermore, he noted that the government also plans to build more bridges to further improve transportation connectivity. “If we can build 20 to 30 bridges, future travel from Miri to Limbang will be more convenient, creating more opportunities for tourism and economic development.”
He said, while promoting regional development, the government also prioritizes agricultural modernization, especially in rice cultivation.
“Sarawak needs 240,000 tons of rice annually; we must increase local food production to reduce reliance on imports. If Indian and Vietnamese rice cannot be exported, we must ensure Sarawak can be self-sufficient.”
He stated that he and Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi recently launched a modern agriculture pilot project in Maratap, using advanced technology to increase rice yield. “Currently, the single-season yield per hectare of paddy field can reach 9.25 tons. If cultivated for two seasons a year, food production will significantly increase.”
Besides agriculture and infrastructure development, the government also plans to establish a new port at the Kuala Baram river mouth, approximately 7 kilometers from the coast. This port will have the capacity to receive cruise ships and is expected to attract international tourists to visit Miri and its surrounding attractions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Mulu and Niah Caves.
“If future cruise ships bring 2,000 to 3,000 tourists, they will have the opportunity to experience Baram's natural landscapes, further boosting the local tourism industry.”
He conveyed that the Sarawak government firmly adheres to the principles of collective leadership and united cooperation to ensure Sarawak's continuing development and prosperity.
He emphasized that there is no distinction or prioritization in Sarawak's administrative system.
“In my government, everyone is equal, with no divisions of 40%, 30%, or 20%. All of us, including Malay, Melanau, Iban, and Bidayuh communities, are united and work together.
“Our cabinet practices a collective leadership system where each minister, including assistant ministers, share responsibility collectively.
“We should not judge each other by superficial standards but focus on our economic performance. Today, the World Bank has officially announced that Sarawak has become a high-income economy, which is our result.”
Moreover, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari highlighted that strong unity is crucial for Sarawak's progress and success.
“Therefore, we must cherish and maintain our unity, not let it disintegrate. Only by being united will our work be more smooth.
“To develop the economy and increase revenue, unity is key. If we engage in internal strife, even making money will become difficult. Therefore, let us work together to continue preserving Sarawak's unity.”
He pointed out that in recent years, the Sarawak government has actively promoted various development plans to ensure that people across the state share the dividends of economic growth, further consolidating communal unity for an even brighter future.
“Our economic achievements depend on hard work, not ethnic backgrounds. The World Bank assesses our economic strength, not who is leading. Therefore, we must unite and build Sarawak together.”
Attending the bridge opening ceremony were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas, Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Food Industry and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi, Sarawak Government Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (Local Government) Datuk Penguang Manggil, Member of Parliament Datuk Anyi, and other guests.
