Under the leadership and governance of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak achieved significant milestones across various sectors, reflecting its commitment to development and sustainability.
Sarawak made significant progress in enhancing its infrastructure through the development of several key bridge projects aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating economic growth across the region.
Among the completed bridge projects was the Marudi Bridge, spanning 740 metres across the Baram River.
The Marudi Bridge was completed on October 18, 2024, and officially opened to the public on November 10, 2024, enhancing connectivity for Baram residents and facilitating easier access to Miri and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, the Muara Lassa Bridge was recently opened to the public.
The Muara Lassa Bridge is one of three bridges built by the Sarawak government to serve the coastal areas, alongside the Batang Paloh and Batang Igan bridges.
Spanning 2.43 km, it is the second-longest bridge in Sarawak, with a total project cost of RM600 million.
The state also has several ongoing projects, such as the Jepak Bridge in Bintulu, Rambungan Bridge, Second Batu Kawa Bridge and Bandar Lawas Bridge.
The Jepak Bridge, referred to as the ‘Golden Gate Bridge,’ is a cable-stayed bridge under construction to connect Bintulu and Jepak.
Once finished, it is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and promote economic growth in the region.
As for the Rambungan Bridge, after experiencing delays, the project has resumed with a new contractor.
The bridge is now expected to be completed by May 18, 2027, aiming to improve connectivity for the local communities upon completion.
Another project is the Second Batu Kawa Bridge, with RM160 million approved by the Sarawak government.
Currently in the land acquisition phase, this project includes a dual carriageway spanning over 5 kilometres.
It aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the Batu Kawa area and is part of the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review (2023).
The Bandar Lawas Bridge, implemented by the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) under RECODA, is set to bring transformative change to the northern region of Sarawak.
Significant progress has been made with the launch of a bridge girder, marking a key milestone in construction.
This infrastructure project aims to enhance connectivity and open up new economic opportunities for communities in the region.
These bridge projects reflect Sarawak’s commitment to infrastructure development, aiming to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times and stimulate economic growth across the state.
In another development, the Sarawak segment of the Pan Borneo Highway is on the cusp of completion, with 99.5 per cent of the work finalised as of November 2024.
Spanning 786 kilometres and divided into 11 contract packages managed by as many contractors, the remaining work focuses on the Sarikei, Beluru, and Lambir sections.
Officials are optimistic about wrapping up the final touches by year-end, marking a historic milestone in Sarawak’s transportation landscape.
Once completed, the Pan Borneo Highway will bridge previously challenging distances, fostering trade, tourism, and economic growth while significantly improving mobility for millions of residents.
The nearly completed Sarawak section exemplifies the project’s potential to transform East Malaysia’s connectivity.
Abang Johari said the project is expected to be fully completed by the end of this year.
According to him, the highway is one of the priorities given by the Sarawak government, including several other large-scale infrastructure developments.
“The Sarawak government has given priority to the development of large-scale infrastructure such as the Coastal Road Network, the Second Trunk Road Project, and the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road,” he said.
On a related project, the Pan Borneo Redline, a key component of the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway project, is set to begin construction in the third quarter this year.
The federal government is addressing the rehabilitation of the existing dual carriageway, which was initially excluded from the Pan Borneo Highway upgrading project.
The 136 km upgrading initiative, referred to as the Pan Borneo Redline, has secured RM120 million in funding for part of the works, with construction expected to commence in the third quarter of 2025.
Sarawak also marked a year of remarkable achievements in its electricity sector in 2024, underscoring its commitment to sustainable energy and infrastructure development.
Sarawak surpassed its renewable energy (RE) capacity mix target outlined in the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, reaching a 62 per cent RE mix — well ahead of the 60 per cent goal set for 2030.
This milestone reinforces Sarawak’s position as a regional leader in renewable energy.
Looking ahead, the state aims to achieve 15 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2035, an ambitious target that supports its vision for net-zero emissions and advances its leadership in green hydrogen and the circular economy.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy, the state’s primary energy developer, was honoured with five awards at the prestigious Asian Power Awards 2024.
These accolades celebrated the company’s digital transformation efforts in power generation and its advancements in sustainable hydropower development.
A key highlight is Sarawak Energy’s smart grid initiative, which integrates cutting-edge technologies to ensure a safe, secure and reliable energy supply while enhancing operational efficiency.
Sarawak is steadfast in its mission to achieve 100 per cent electricity coverage by 2025.
This initiative reflects the state’s dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents and fostering socio-economic growth.
The Sarawak government has also unveiled ambitious plans to invest approximately RM100 billion over the next five years, primarily for strategic infrastructure development to bolster the state’s economy.
These funds include constructing new international airport and port infrastructure.
Abang Johari said that the state’s new Kuching International Airport, set to be a seamless, high-tech gateway, has already attracted investor interest.
He added the new airport will be an ‘advanced airport’ that will enhance Sarawak’s connectivity, ease of travel, and appeal as an investment destination.
“This project started with our own funds, but now other players are coming in to invest in our new airport. This won’t be just an ordinary airport; we are modelling it after the likes of Abu Dhabi and Doha,” he said.
On port infrastructure, Abang Johari mentioned that the Sarawak government has announced an allocation of RM125 million for port development, navigational safety, and ongoing riverine projects in the coming year.
These include establishing a vehicle yard and associated facilities at Senari Port, completing Phase 1 of the Tanjung Embang Terminal, providing development and maintenance dredging grants to State Port Authorities, and conducting a master plan study for ports.
Additionally, the allocation will fund the construction of wharves, jetties, river walls, and waterfronts, as well as the implementation of a Vessel Tracking Management System (VTMS) and Aids to Navigation (ATONS) for Sungai Miri and Kuala Baram.
“These efforts reflect our commitment to enhancing port development and delivering more efficient services,” Abang Johari said.
He also emphasised the significance of the Sarawak Ports Authority Ordinance, 2024, which was recently gazetted.
This move aims to integrate port operations under a unified authority to strengthen corporate governance, enforce financial discipline, and improve operational efficiency across the state’s ports.
Sarawak’s aspiration to become a developed state by 2030 continues to drive policies, focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and modern infrastructure.
The integration of renewable energy and digital technologies is paving the way for long-term growth.
