MIRI (Sept 11): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived here at noon for his two-day visit to Sarawak.

Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin led the welcoming party, which included Deputy Minister in Premier’s Department Datuk Gerawat Gala, Miri mayor Adam Yii, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man, and Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau.

Following a thanksgiving prayer at the terminal building, Anwar flew to Nanga Medamit in Limbang to launch the second phase of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR 2) project.

The SSLR is a game-changing lifeline designed to connect remote regions, empower communities, and stimulate inclusive growth, with the ongoing first phase involving the construction of a 75.6km stretch from Lawas to the Long Lopeng junction costing RM1.02 billion.

The SSLR2 involves the construction of over 335km of new roads traversing the Sarawak-Sabah border based on a design-and-build model.

It is divided into four main packages, complete with more than 30 bridges and viaducts.

Valued at RM7.6 billion, this phase is scheduled for completion by June 2029 and promises to redefine regional connectivity in Malaysian Borneo.

Credit: Philip Kiew, The Borneo Post 2025