Sarawak plans northern road link from Limbang, Lawas to Miri via Gunung Buda

Community leaders from Limbang Division presenting a memento to Abang Johari during Leaders and Community Leaders gathering at the Limbang Civic Centre, which is broadcast live via TVS, on April 10, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

By Karen Bong

LIMBANG, April 10: The Sarawak government is set to transform northern connectivity with an ambitious road network linking Limbang and Lawas to Miri via Gunung Buda and beyond.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the long-term plan will open up interior regions and drive economic growth across the northern zone.

He explained that the proposed route will connect Limbang and Lawas via Gunung Buda, which forms part of the Mulu mountain range, before extending to Long Terawat, Long Panai, and Long Lama, and eventually linking to Marudi and Miri.

“This is a long-term development plan to continuously stimulate our economy,” he said at the Leaders and Community Leaders gathering at the Limbang Civic Centre, which was broadcast live via TVS, tonight.

Abang Johari noted that the initiative is being coordinated under the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA), chaired by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

The enhanced connectivity would significantly improve access to remote areas, reduce travel time, and unlock new economic opportunities.

Reflecting on Limbang’s transformation, the Premier recalled how the town once lacked even basic healthcare facilities in the 1950s, when he was born there.

“When my father was a District Officer (DO) in Limbang, where I was born, there was no hospital, not even a clinic. I was born in the DO’s bungalow, assisted by a village midwife,” he said.

Today, he noted, Limbang has undergone remarkable progress, including having the longest waterfront in Sarawak.

“For Limbang and Lawas, progress is not far away,” he said.

The Premier attributed the State’s ability to implement large-scale development projects to strong unity and effective leadership, noting that such initiatives require substantial funding.
“We are grateful that Sarawak’s revenue has doubled over the past six years, enabling us to build infrastructure and strengthen our economic ecosystem for the benefit of the rakyat,” he added.

Abang Johari said the government remains committed to giving back to the people through continued infrastructure development and a strong emphasis on education, backed by the State’s stable financial position.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Malaysia Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Minister of Food Industry Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and Batu Danau assemblyman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily