New access road linking Samarahan to KIA southern zone to open this September

Borneo Post

5 days ago

Nanta (front, left) being briefed by Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris (second right) while Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Ibrahim (third right) looks on.
KUCHING (Aug 2): The new access road linking Jalan Datuk Mohammad Musa in Samarahan to the southern zone of Kuching International Airport (KIA) is expected to be completed and open to traffic by next month (September), said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
During a site visit today, Nanta said the project was 96 per cent complete, with the remaining four per cent involving the installation of road furniture and street lighting.
'This road will serve as an alternative route once completed, helping to ease road congestion from Samarahan to Kuch­ing,' he told reporters at the project site.
He said the federally funded project was progressing smoothly and would be completed to high quality standards.
Once completed, the new road will feature an elevated interchange, flyovers, improved drainage systems, utility infrastructure, and a new electricity substation.
'With a more structured and competitive road network, we are unlocking broader development potential and strengthening urban connectivity,' he said, highlighting the importance of strategic investments in road infrastructure to support inclusive and sustainable growth.
'The Works Ministry will continue to uphold this mandate responsibly to advance the state and ensure the well-being of its people, in line with the aspirations of Sarawak Maju Makmur 2030,' he added.
The RM112.9 million project was designed to improve connectivity between Bukit Berangan in Kota Samarahan and Stampin Baru in Kuching, traversing a critical zone near the KIA Runway 25 precision approach.
Previously, the project faced delays pending approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
Final clearance was granted by CAAM's Air Navigation Services and Aerodrome Division (ANSA) on July 3 this year.
On broader development, Nanta said Sarawak stood to gain significantly from initiatives under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which align with the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
He pointed to infrastructure, human capital, education, healthcare, green technology, renewable energy, and hydrogen as key focus areas.
'The 13MP mentioned that Sabah and Sarawak, the two Borneo states, will be developed as hubs for the energy industry,' he said.
As for the Works Ministry, Nanta reaffirmed its core mission of implementing infrastructure projects such as road networks and public utilities.
'The Public Works Department (JKR) plays a major role not only in road construction but also in building schools, colleges, hospitals and clinics for other ministries such as the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health,' he said.
He added that the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) oversees Malaysia's construction industry to ensure it meets international standards.