MIRI: Baram is poised to transition from being an interior area into a key player in driving economic growth in northern Sarawak, leveraging its potential as a tourism hub and a suitable location for agricultural development.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Baram is rich in culture and has areas that can be developed in terms of modern agricultural growth.
“Today, the connection between Miri and Marudi through the Marudi Bridge has been achieved. So, what’s our next move? We want to ensure that this area has access and proper roads.
“Under the 13th Malaysia Plan and the Northern Highland Development Agency, we are upgrading the road from Miri to the Marudi Bridge. From the bridge, we will continue to develop the road to Long Terawan, including plans to build roads up to Limbang.
“With this, Baram will no longer be remote – it will become a key development area in this region.”
Abang Johari said this during the official launch of the Marudi Bridge here on Friday (Jan 17).
He added that improved connectivity would provide tourists with better access to the Unesco World Heritage Sites such as the Niah National Park’s Cave Complex and the Mulu Caves National Park, of which there is a demand from an economic perspective.
“We are also planning to build a deep-sea port at Kuala Baram, and this could potentially attract cruise ships, bringing thousands of tourists to Miri and Baram to admire the area’s natural beauty.
“Besides tourism, the second key sector is agriculture. Baram is well-suited for agriculture, particularly for rice cultivation through modern technology.
“If the land here is suitable for rice, why not grow it? One day, we could even export rice.”
Earlier, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the Infrastructure and Port Development Ministry has approved 20 infrastructure projects worth RM616 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan in Marudi district.
“Of the total, the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak has completed six projects worth RM187.7 million.
“While one is still under construction, the remaining 13 projects, worth RM422.3 million will be tendered this year,” he said.
Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government and Marudi assemblyman Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said 16 new bridges have been built across Sarawak over the past few years, including the Marudi Bridge.
“The construction of this bridge not only enhances accessibility for residents here but also creates more economic opportunities for rural communities that have long been left behind in the wave of development.
“In this regard, it is indeed really an honour to be able to help build this bridge of life, that will not only connect, but unite and enhance the life of many Baramites,” he said, adding that the bridge has benefitted approximately 25,000 residents in the Marudi area and Mulu constituency.
Meanwhile, construction of the RM116.5 million 650-meter-long Marudi Bridge, spanning over Baram River, commenced on Oct 20, 2022 and completed on Nov 10, 2024, ahead of the scheduled completion on June 19 this year.
