BY NATASHA JEE and MARGARET RINGGIT
MARUDI: A waterfront stretching over one kilometre will be built here as part of efforts to beautify the waterfront area.
“Marudi already has a new and beautiful waterfront but Marudi assemblyman Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil has requested an extension of this waterfront,” said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“As a result, we will build a hotel near the rest house area and from there, we will extend the waterfront to reach this area (existing Marudi Waterfront) and also connect it to the nearby village.
“Meaning, Marudi will have a riverfront area, including the historical fort located in the centre.
“I have seen the design and this waterfront will span more than 1km long which I think will beat the Kuching Waterfront in terms of design and length,” he said when officiating at the 2023 Baram Regatta here on Saturday (Sept 30).
It was previously reported that the first phase of the Marudi Waterfront project was completed in May this year, while the second phase of project will be extended up to Kampung Narum which is expected to be completed in 2025.
Earlier, Abang Johari also said the state has set up the Highland Development Agency (HDA), with a total of RM1.5 billion allocated to the agency to prioritise development in the HDA areas including Baram and Marudi.
“We are focusing on building connectivity in this area by constructing roads that will link it to other parts of the state, alongside providing electricity and water supply,” he said.
On another note, he said the Sarawak government also wants students to be well versed in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic (STEM) subjects, thus the state will build shared laboratories in all districts in the state including in Marudi.
“Sarawak will develop these shared laboratories in the schools throughout the state so that we can improve the skills and nurture the talents of our young people,” he said.
He added the state also has plans to offer free tertiary education through scholarships for Sarawakian students pursuing higher education at the five Sarawak-owned universities.
