NCH Project To Drive Connectivity, Development In Northern Sarawak – Nanta

LIMBANG, July 26 (Bernama) -- The Northern Coastal Highway (NCH) project will be a key driver of connectivity and development in northern Sarawak, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

He said the project, which involves the Lawas and Limbang areas, is part of the state’s broader road network plan aimed at connecting regions that are currently separated by Brunei Darussalam.

“At today’s meeting in Limbang, I met with technical teams from the Sarawak and Federal Public Works Departments (JKR), the Ministry of Works, and the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) to align on the technical implementation of the NCH project. This reflects strong collaboration between the Federal and Sarawak state governments,” he said in a statement.

Nanta added that the NCH will provide an alternative domestic route connecting major towns such as Miri, Limbang, and Lawas, without the need to pass through Brunei. This will reduce dependence on the Miri–Temburong–Limbang route, which currently requires four immigration checks.

“This project will enhance mobility, ease daily life for the people, and unlock greater economic opportunities for rural communities,” he said.

Key components of the NCH project include the construction of a new 87.96 km road, 10.16 km of access roads, 27 main structures (including 13 bridges, two of which will be iconic bridges over Sungai Limbang and Kuala Lawas), 44 bus stops, eight pedestrian bridges, and four Rest & Service Areas (RSAs).

Five sections of the project are underway under Phase 1, which is expected to be completed by 2030. This includes three sections in Limbang (44.46 km) and two in Lawas (43.5 km).

“This project is not just about building roads; it’s about creating a future infrastructure network that will support the economy, tourism, logistics, and improve the well-being of the people,” he added.

Nanta also noted that the NCH will complement the Pan Borneo project by focusing on the northern coastal region and providing a critical link between Sarawak’s central and southern regions, Brunei Darussalam, and Sabah via the Merapok border.

“This project is a prime example of how regional development strategies can be achieved through effective collaboration between agencies and governments,” he said.

-- BERNAMA