Deputy Minister: Trans Borneo Highway to boost Sarawak connectivity
LIMBANG (Aug 6): The inclusion of the Sarawak section of the Trans Borneo Highway project in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) marks a significant step towards improving long-awaited infrastructure in northern Sarawak.
Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, said the project's listing relflects the federal government's commitment to enhancing road connectivity in the rural and interior areas, particularly in the northern region of the state.
'The Trans Borneo Highway will begin at Kuala Baram in Miri and connect to the Asean Bridge, continuing through Tedungan to Kemas Limbang,' he said during the Cultural Night, held in conjunction with the Limbang Kedayan Year 2025 Food Festival at the Dewan Kampung Tuna Gumaya Benuas recently.
Hasbi added that from Kemas, the highway would extend to Pandaruan, utilising and upgrading the existing road infrastructure to improve travel efficiency and safety.
Hasbi, the Limbang MP, said the 96.3km highway would be constructed at a cost of RM1.5 billion, fully funded by the federal government.
The route would connect Sarawak to Sabah via Brunei.
Meanwhile, Hasbi also called upon the Kedayan community to embrace digital tools and technology to document and preserve their cultural customs heritage.
'As development accelerates, there is a risk that traditions and customs could fade. The younger generation must play a role in safeguarding and continuing our cultural legacy,' he stressed.
He encouraged the community to creatively utilise modern platforms to archive traditional practices including music, clothing, language, cuisine, and values, so as to ensure that these elements would endure not only within their own society, but could also be introduced to wider audiences.
'By adapting to the digital age and promoting cultural heritage, the Kedayan identity can remain alive, respected, and appreciated well beyond our borders.'
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; and Limbang Kedayan Association chairman Councillor Sufian Mohat.
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