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Package A1A of Second Trunk Road project shows steady progress, says S'wak deputy minister
Aidel (left) during the site visit at the Package A1A section of the Second Trunk Road Package project. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KOTA SAMARAHAN (June 11): Package A1A of the Second Trunk Road (STR) project, comprising the new Batang Samarahan Bridge and a 9km dual carriageway to Batang Sadong, has reached 11.61 per cent completion as of today, slightly ahead of its scheduled progress of 11.43 per cent.
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development, Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, expressed satisfaction with the project's progress, highlighting that it is 0.18 per cent ahead of schedule.
'This reflects the steady work by the contractor and a consistent supply of materials,' he told reporters after a site visit and briefing by Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) at the developer's office here today.
He noted that Package A1A is a key component of the broader Second Trunk Road network, which aims to provide an alternative route for residents in coastal and interior areas currently underserved by the Pan Borneo Highway and Coastal Road Network.
Aidel also visited the adjacent D3C package, a 7km single carriageway linking Batang Samarahan to Batang Sejingkat.
He reported that progress there was generally on track, with actual completion at 23.09 per cent against a scheduled 23.13 per cent.
'There is a very minor delay of 0.04 per cent, but we have advised the contractor to increase their daily supply rate.
'The current rate is slightly below what is required to complete the embankment work efficiently,' he said.
He further explained that the Second Trunk Road spans several administrative divisions and will eventually connect Sejingkat to Batang Sadong, Sebuyau, and onward to Betong.
Once completed, the road will serve as a direct alternative route for motorists travelling between Sarawak's northern and central coastal regions.
Aidel revealed that the full stretch from Batang Samarahan to Batang Sadong measures 23km, consisting of the current 9km A1A package and the upcoming 13km A1B section.
'Plans are also underway to extend a dual carriageway from Batang Sadong to Batang Lupar in Sebuyau, covering another 35km.
'This second trunk road project is designed to complement the Pan Borneo and Coastal Road networks, particularly for areas not directly served by those routes.
'Once completed, it will transform connectivity for people in these regions,' he said.
He also pointed out that another key segment – a dual carriageway linking Serian, Gedong, and Samarahan – is currently under construction and expected to bolster regional integration under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
'When this entire network is completed, including the Second Trunk Road and ongoing developments under 13MP and PCDS 2030, connectivity in this region will be significantly improved,' he said. aidel lariwoo Batang Samarahan bridge Package A1A Second Trunk Road
