MIRI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will launch Phase 2 of the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) in Limbang this Thursday during his first visit to the Baram constituency since taking office.
He will be accompanied by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Datuk Gerawat Gala said Anwar will later travel to Mulu for a briefing on Baram’s infrastructure needs, including the proposed Miri–Marudi–Kuala Melinau road, which will connect to SSLR Phase 2.
Phase 1 of SSLR, linking Lawas to Long Lopeng, began in August 2021 and is 40 per cent complete. Costing about RM1 billion, it is expected to finish by 2026.
Phase 2, with a RM7.4 billion budget, spans 322km across Baram, Lawas and Limbang and is slated for completion by 2029.
Gerawat, also Mulu assemblyman, said Baram leaders will appeal for more federal funding to upgrade abandoned logging roads, which total 2,200km.
“Much more remains to be done, and we really need federal financial support,” he stressed.
The SSLR aims to bypass Brunei, easing travel between Sabah and Sarawak while spurring economic growth, boosting tourism, and linking rural communities to major towns.
