RM58.4 mln Phase Four road project to link two longhouses, school in Kanowit

On August 29, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang announced a RM58.4 million allocation for Phase Four of the Menalun-Sungai Poi Rural Road Construction Project. This phase will establish a 2.6-kilometre road linking two longhouses and directly extending to a school. Rubiah informed reporters that the phase, which comprises two bridges and a JKR R1-standard road, is presently in the design stage.

The RM58.4 million allocation covers the construction of a 2.6-kilometre road and two bridges leading to a school, in addition to connecting Rumah Gani and Rumah Tarang. The overall Menalun-Sungai Poi road project has received a total allocation of RM170 million, divided into four phases due to the challenging geographical conditions of the area.

Rubiah explained that Phase One, which involved 10 kilometres of road and three bridges, was completed at a cost of about RM50 million. Phase Two extended one kilometre with a bridge at an allocation of RM15.8 million. The completion of this project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity for communities in Sungai Poi, particularly access to schools and essential facilities.

Rubiah urged local community members, community leaders, government agencies, and contractors to collaborate closely to ensure the projects are completed on schedule and meet quality standards. She also indicated that the ministry would consider additional rural road projects in the area, subject to planning and approval processes involving the state and federal governments.