Sarawak government will gazette former logging roads as public roads at no charge, improving rural access and safety for longhouse communities
KUCHING: The Sarawak government will take over all former logging roads connecting longhouses and villages to be gazetted as public roads without charges.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced a special task force under Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas will coordinate the takeover process.
The task force will ensure these routes are upgraded for rural community convenience.
“All the logging roads connecting the longhouses and villages will be turned into public roads without charges,” he said at the Miri-Marudi-Mulu-Long Panai-Long Lama Road Project launch in Marudi.
He explained the initiative addresses access issues for residents who previously relied on unsafe former logging roads requiring concessionaire permission.
“So, it is easier for the people now because (the former logging roads) will become a spur road leading to the main road,” he added.
The government aims to complete this process by 2030 for public road usage.
Abang Johari also highlighted new road engineering methods being implemented for the 3M2L Project using modern technology in challenging areas.
The construction approach includes elevated roads enabling work on peat soil without affecting soil conditions and terrain.
“We have done this up north, in Limbang and Lawas, and we are also using this approach in the 3M2L area,” he said.
He explained elevated road technology implementation in strategic areas requiring resilient construction methods suitable for local geography.
Highway Information Modelling technology simulates road designs in computers before physical construction begins.
This enables wind, rain and topography assessment for structural durability assurance.
“This is the technology we are using because we will be moving towards being a state using technology,” he added. – Bernama
