GEDONG: The Sarawak government is intensifying its efforts to develop rural areas by expanding road networks and agricultural initiatives.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this includes the construction of a four-lane road linking Serian to Gedong, offering a more direct route compared to the existing one.
He also pointed out the ongoing development of coastal roads aimed at boosting the rural economy.
“Sarawak is building many roads. In Gedong, a new four-lane road will connect Serian through Munggu Kopi to Gedong, opening up new land areas.
“Beyond the villages near the Pan Borneo Highway, we are constructing a coastal road from Kuching to Samarahan, extending to Gedong, Sebuyau, Lingga, and Sepaoh in Betong.
“We are also building the Batang Lupar bridge, which will link Sarikei to Sibu. This network will connect coastal areas and stimulate the rural economy,” he said.
Abang Johari said this when officiating the closing ceremony of the Digital Desa Bank Rakyat 2025 programme at Anjung Pembangunan Usahawan Gedong today (Jan 28).
In addition, Abang Johari assured that the Sarawak government will continue to identify new areas for paddy cultivation.
He asserted that 14,000 hectares of state land have been set aside, including areas in Simunjan, Lubok Punggur in Gedong, Tanjung Purun in Lundu, Lingga, Stumbin, Spaoh, and other parts of Betong.
This initiative will allow the Sarawak government to expand paddy fields, excluding smallholders.
“Sarawak only needs 240,000 tonnes of paddy. If we can produce this, there will be no need for imports. Otherwise, we rely on India and Vietnam, but when they face floods, rice exports are disrupted.
“Sarawak has land. We will adopt new methods, including banking services, to boost our food production.
“As they say, food security is essential. At the very least, Sarawakians will not go hungry. If exporting countries cannot supply rice, we will have our own,” he added.
