Approximately 100,000 residents stand to gain from the construction of the Kanowit-Kapit road.
In a significant development for the people of Kapit, the construction of a road linking Kanowit to Kapit is progressing as part of a larger package of infrastructure projects under the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA). The announcement was made by Dato Sri Michael Manyin, the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications, who expressed his desire for the construction to speed up, linking Kapit to other parts of the state.
The 80km-long road, estimated to cost RM700 million, is considered a vital link for the people of Kapit to the outside world. The project, once completed, would bring numerous benefits to the people of Kapit, including improved connectivity, increased opportunities for local development, and enhanced eco-tourism potential.
Alexander Nanta Linggi, a member of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council and Kapit's member of parliament, stated that the construction of this road would greatly benefit the people of Kapit, who have been waiting for it for an extended period. He also suggested that once the main trunk road linking Kapit to Kanowit is established, it would be easier to discuss development projects like establishing plantations in the available land of the division.
Dato Sri Dr James Masing, the Minister of Rural Development and the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president, advised the people of Kapit to prepare themselves to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise once the road is completed. He also emphasised that the proposed road linking Kapit to other towns in Sarawak will enhance Kapit's eco-tourism potential.
Kapit Division, home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants, mostly Ibans, also has significant numbers of Chinese, Malay, and Orang Ulu residents. The completion of the Kanowit-Kapit road would allow for the introduction of projects such as water and electricity to the people in these areas, making life more comfortable for the residents.
The proposed road project was discussed after a training programme for community leaders from Samarahan Division at Kota Samarahan. The Sarawak government has invested around RM400 million over the past three years in various development projects in Kapit, including road projects aimed at improving connectivity and facilitating local development.
However, there is no specific announcement or clear timeline publicly available regarding the exact current status or expected completion date of the Kanowit-Kapit road project. For the most updated information, contacting Sarawak's Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) or the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) would provide the most accurate details.
In conclusion, the Kanowit-Kapit road project is part of a broader infrastructure development effort in the Kapit and Kanowit districts. The government is actively improving roads in the region to facilitate development, but no definitive completion date for this specific road has been provided as of June 2025.
The Kanowit-Kapit road project, once completed, is expected to boost local finance and transportation in Kapit, enabling the introduction of essential services like water and electricity for the residents, and facilitating discussions on future development projects such as plantation establishment. The successful completion of this road will also contribute to enhancing Kapit's eco-tourism potential, attracting investments from various industries.
