KAPIT, Sept 29 — The federal government agreed to give priority to the construction of several road projects in Kapit Division.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said among the priorities is the road construction project connecting Nanga Semaram in Kanowit to Kapit over a distance of 72 kilometres.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the first phase of the road construction is expected to start next year and he has asked Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi to speed it up.

"I asked Alexander (Nanta Linggi) to start preparations (construction) this year so that we can start immediately.

"Next year we will (prepare) allocations to start phase one and I believe the latest will be the end of next year or 2026 (for construction to start),” he said while speaking at a goodwill gathering with Kapit community leaders here today.

Apart from Nanta, the programme held at the Kapit Auditorium was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Meanwhile, commenting on the role of Sarawak in Malaysia, Anwar said that the success that Bumi Kenyalang experienced is now also a success for the country.

"Sarawak 30, 40 years ago was one of the poorest states (in Malaysia) but now Sarawak is considered a potential state and has the strength especially in the field of energy.

"The success of Sarawak is the success of all of us, because what Sarawak has achieved can be enjoyed by all,” he said.

In the one-day working visit to Kapit today, the Prime Minister also officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Kapit district police headquarters project and attended a briefing on the construction of a bridge across Batang Rajang River in Nanga Yong.

Apart from that, Anwar also attended a gathering with community leaders of Rumah Panjang in Kapit and Song Districts at Rumah Robert, Nanga Sebatu here.

Meanwhile, Anwar posted on Facebook that the new Kapit district police headquarters will house 146 personnel, including senior and junior police officers and general officers.

"With the new Kapit district police headquarters, it will raise the effectiveness of assignments, ensure public order and safety in the district and facilitate service delivery to the people of Kapit district.

"It will also benefit police officers and personnel in Kapit by ensuring their welfare and reducing their cost of living expenses,” he posted, adding that the project will be implemented in two phases from 2025 to 2029, beginning with ground work and then construction of the building complex.

The buildings include an administrative building, an armoury including an indoor shooting range, a pavilion and marching grounds, quarters, a transport branch with workshops, suraus and other facilities.

Anwar also touched on the construction of a new bridge in Nanga Yong, stating that the project would encompass a new tarred road and two bridges connecting Jalan Ng Belawai to Jalan Song-Kapit as well as the upgrading of two junctions scheduled to start in 2025 and end in 2029.

"The project will bring socio-economic development to residents in settlements along Sungai Batang Rajang, including in Ng Belawai and Kapit town.

"When completed, it will be a safe and comfortable rural road network for all residents, and create a platform to build other public facilities, including electricity, water and telecommunications,” he said.

The Prime Minister also approved allocations of RM2 million for bank restoration work to overcome erosion issues along Sungai Rejang at Robert Longhouse, Nanga Sebatu during a gathering with long house community leaders in Kapit Division today. — Bernama