JULAU (Sarawak): The completion of the construction of the 28.5 km Julau alignment of the Pan Borneo Highway project at a cost of RM537.4 million will be a new chapter in Sarawak's economic growth, said Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

He said the alignment would expand the transport network between towns and districts to potential growth centres such as ports, industrial areas and commercial centres in the largest state in Malaysia.

"With the completion of the Julau alignment on Oct 28, 2021, the surrounding residents can move more comfortably from Sibu town to Pantu and Miri where the road geometry has been improved and the road is also wider.

"Through the involvement of Sarawakians in this project as consultants, vendors, suppliers or even contractors, many highly skilled workers among local people can be produced and they can contribute to the development of Sarawak," he said in his speech at the opening of the Julau alignment of the Pan Borneo Highway here today.

The opening ceremony was launched by Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Fadillah said Julau alignment is one of the three alignments under Work Contract Package 07 which encompassed the construction of a road from the Bintangor junction to the Sungai Kua Bridge stretching 75 km in the central area of the state.

"Overall, the construction involves the upgrading work (of the existing roads) to four two-way lanes," he said.

When the entire WPC07 alignments are completed, he said it will provide comfortable and efficient land access, especially to residents in Sarikei and Bintangor to Kanowit and Sibu.

-- BERNAMA