A file photo of Baram Regatta which is held in Marudi annually.
KUCHING: Marudi assemblyman Datu Dr Penguang Manggil hopes that the contractor of the 44km Marudi Road will fulfil its promise to improve the slippery and muddy road stretches before the Baram Regatta from August 25-27 begins.
According to him, besides the 8.4km tar-sealed section, another seven km of the road has been gravelled pending tar-sealing.
“We appeal to the relevant authorities especially the contractor and JKR to make good their promise of improving the remaining stretch especially the one that is full of potholes,” Penguang told The Borneo Post yesterday.
He added that after Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing visited the road recently works to improve the road had been progressing pretty well.
A 12km stretch of Marudi Road which is full of potholes needs urgent improvement before the Baram Regatta from Aug 25-27 starts.
“All we are asking from the contractor is to ensure that the road is improved by the time the Baram Regatta is on, so that it will allow smoother drive for people who wish to participate and join in the Baram Regatta,” said Penguang, adding that the remaining stretch that needed to be gravelled or improved urgently is 28 km long.
Upon completion, the road, which was a logging road but was improved under the ‘Jiwa Murni’ programme three years ago, will be upgraded to Modified R1 Standard.
The Marudi Road upgrading project which cost RM77 million is expected to be completed by March 2019.
“But I must thank the contractor, CMS, that even though it has not received the ‘Letter of Award’ for the project, yet it has proceeded with the construction and now the project is ahead of schedule,” said Penguang.
Muddy stretches of Marudi Road that need urgent gravelling.
Meanwhile, Penguang, who is also the Assistant Minister of Local Government, pointed out that the Baram Regatta is regarded as the oldest regatta in Sarawak as it was initiated by the White Rajah way back in 1889 to unite the warring factions.
“The Baram Regatta is already well-known especially to the neighbouring countries especially Brunei. This is because every year, the Sultan of Brunei will find time to come over and witness the regatta,” said Penguang.
Besides the Sultan of Brunei, he said Yang-di Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg are also expected to join in the celebration.
For this year, some RM300,000 worth of cash prizes, excluding trophies, would be offered for all categories, including the ‘Baram Closed’ and ‘Baram Open’ categories.
“For the Baram Open category, it will be open to all, including participants from the neighbouring countries,” added Penguang.