(Photo: Aidel (fourth right), Tan (third left) and others during the visit to the Jalan Batu Kawa-Jalan Stephen Yong link road project site. – Photo by Kelly Chong)

KUCHING (July 7): The proposed 5.64km dual-carriageway linking Jalan Batu Kawa-Matang at Moyan to Jalan Stephen Yong is progressing ahead of schedule and is expected to be completed by February 2029.

State Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said the RM207.88 million project had reached 3.86 per cent completion, ahead of its scheduled 2.7 per cent progress.

“The work has just started, but it is slightly ahead of schedule.

“We are confident that, based on the contractor’s performance, the project can be completed within the scheduled period,” he told reporters after receiving a project briefing from the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) during a site visit here.

Aidel said the project, implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan, would serve as a supplementary link to the proposed Kuching Inner Ring Road, which comprises five infrastructure packages.

“This road is very important as a supplementary link to the proposed Kuching Inner Ring Road. Traffic from Batu Kawa, Matang and surrounding areas can be dispersed more effectively,” he said.

He said the road would complement other planned links connecting Matang, Jalan Stephen Yong, Batu Kitang and the Kuching-Bau corridor.

“Once completed, the various projects are expected to create a more connected road network linking Kuching city, its surrounding areas and parts of Samarahan.”

Although the project is scheduled for completion in February 2029, Aidel said the ministry would coordinate with the contractor to explore the possibility of completing it earlier.

He said most of the alignment passes through greenfield areas, while the land acquisition process had already been completed.

“There is no issue with land acquisition, so it will be easier for the contractor to proceed with the work,” he said.

The project also involves a bridge crossing over Sungai Sarawak Kiri and a smaller river crossing.

Aidel described the construction as relatively straightforward and expressed confidence in the contractor, consultants and project team.

“I am optimistic that the contractor and the project team will be able to complete it within the scheduled timeframe, or possibly earlier,” he added.

Also present during the visit were Padawan Municipal Council chairman Tan Kai, JKR Kuching Division superintending officer and divisional engineer Wang Say Kang, as well as senior officers from the ministry and JKR.