Jalan Lidong, connecting Btg Lupar 2 Bridge to Betong, opens to traffic today

SIMANGGANG, Oct 31 2026: Jalan Lidong, a connecting road stretching from the Batang Lupar Bridge No 2 in Bandar Simanggang to Betong Interchange on the Pan Borneo Highway, was opened to traffic at 3.30pm today.

Caption: Batang Lupar 2 Bridge which opens to public today

The opening of Jalan Lidong completes the road link from Batang Lupar Bridge No 2 to the Betong Interchange, thereby providing a more seamless route between Simanggang and the Pan Borneo Highway.

The project involved the construction of a two-lane, single-carriageway paved road, as well as the upgrading of existing roads from the JKR R3 standard to the JKR R5 standard, covering a total length of approximately 27.84 kilometers. The project scope also included the construction of two bridges.

This upgraded route shortens travel time between Simanggang and Betong and offers a superior road surface for the comfort of motorists. 

It also enhances accessibility for residents living along Jalan Lidong, including those in longhouse communities and villages.

This improved connectivity is expected to facilitate the movement of residents, while supporting economic activities and creating opportunities for the local community to increase their income.

Malcolm: Request for construction of Sarawak Skills permanent campus in Simanggang submitted to the premier

SIMANGGANG, Oct 31 2026: Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh has said a request has been submitted for the construction of a permanent Sarawak Skills campus in Simanggang to provide opportunities for youth in Sri Aman Division to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Caption: Deputy Minister Malcolm Mussen says a total of 1,766 participants also took various short-term courses including information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), pineapple downstream product processing and digital design.

He said the application has been submitted to Premier Abang Johari Openg for consideration and approval by the state government.

He said Sarawak Skills Training Centre in Simanggang, which has been operating in rented premises since 2024, has trained 67 students through three Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) programmes, thus demonstrating the potential for skills training development in the division.

“This achievement proves that Sri Aman has great demand and potential in the field of TVET.

“Therefore, to enable more students to be accepted and more technical courses to be offered, I respectfully request the consideration and support of the premier to build a permanent Sarawak Skills campus in Simanggang,” he said in his welcome speech in conjunction with the Sri Aman Division Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) Programme 2026 today.

Malcolm added that a total of 1,766 participants also took various short-term courses including information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), pineapple downstream product processing and digital design.

He said that the construction of the permanent campus is important to increase the marketability of local youths and provide skilled manpower to meet the needs of Sarawak’s economic development.

Sarawak State Election: Vote for return of GPS government if you want applicatons for projects approved later, says caretaker premier

SIMANGGANG, Oct 31 2026: Caretaker Premier Abang Johari Openg urged the people to vote for the return of Gabungan Pari Sarawak (GPS) in the coming state election if they want their applications for development projects approved by the state government.

Caption: Abang Johari Openg explains as a caretaker premier he can only announce projects that have been approved before the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly

He explained after the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) the state government is just a caretaker until after the state election results have been declared and the swearing-in of a newly formed government.

He said caretaker government cannot approve projects as it against the election laws.

"Elect GPS again so that we can approve your applications," he said at the launch of Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) programme here today.

He said as a caretaker premier he can only announce projects that have been approved before the dissolution of SLA.

Abang Johari said a RM334 million dual carriageway construction project, spanning from the Pan Borneo junction to Simanggang towm, has been approved to increase road network capacity and address traffic congestion in the area.

He said the existing route has become increasingly congested due to a rise in the number of vehicles and the ongoing development of the twon.

“The road from the Pan Borneo junction into Simanggang is narrow. With the twon now developing, the volume of vehicles has increased, leading to traffic congestion.

“Therefore, this dual carriageway project has been approved at a cost of RM334 million,” he said.

He said the project involves the construction of a dual carriageway from the Pan Borneo junction to Simanggang to improve the smooth flow of traffic.

He noted that this route also serves as part of a connectivity network linking Simanggang to  Batang Lupar 2 Bridge, and subsequently to the Second Trunk Road, Sebuyau, and Betong.

He added that this infrastructure development is crucial to supporting the growth of Simanggang as it continues to expand into an economic and administrative hub for the surrounding region.

Abang Johari also said Sarawak continues to attract the interest of international investors, including those from Japan, to explore opportunities in high-tech industries such as the development of smart data centres.

“During my meeting with the investor from Japan, he said he had studied Sarawak’s policies and was attracted not only by the state’s energy capabilities, but also viewed its free education policy as one of Sarawak’s key strengths in preparing its people to achieve a higher level of technological advancement.

“This shows that education not only benefits the children of Sarawak, but is also one of the factors that enhances the state’s appeal to international investors,” he said.

Among those present at the SKS programme launch were the three deputy premiers Douglas Uggah, Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Dr Sim Kui Hian, SLA Speaker Asfia Awang Nasar and SKR programme organising chairman Malcolm Mussen,