The second phase of the mega project had previously been approved by the federal government under Barisan Nasional, but was cancelled when the federal government changed hands after the 2018 general election.

“I give a commitment that I, together with Fadillah (senior works minister Fadillah Yusof) and the CM (Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg), will discuss how to continue phase two and related roads referred to as redlines and missing links.

“I also give a commitment that we will not stop there.

“We will continue all projects for Sarawak,” he said in his speech before opening the Serian Work Three Package of the Pan Borneo Highway here today.

Also present were Abang Johari and Fadillah.

The 33.65km Serian section, which was fully completed yesterday, involved upgrading the existing federal road from Bulatan Serian to Balai Ringin at a total cost of RM700 million.

It is part of the Work Three Package of the Pan Borneo Highway project from Bulatan Serian to Simpang Pantu, involving a total length of 75.015km.

Commenting further, Ismail said the federal government viewed the Pan Borneo Highway project as very important for the people of Sarawak, not only to facilitate travel but to improve the local economy.

In fact, he said, much more development was planned by the previous BN government for Sarawak but things changed when there was a change in the federal government in 2018.

“I want to mention that the impact of the change of government was huge, not only at the federal level but also at the state level,” he said.

100% internet coverage

Apart from road infrastructure, the federal government was also focusing on internet access with a target of 100% coverage to be achieved throughout Sarawak by the end of next year, said the prime minister.

“The government’s focus now is on digital economy because the world has changed. Everything is at your fingertips.

“As such, the government has allocated a large amount for the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) project.

“More than RM4 billion will be spent on better internet access in Sarawak,” he said.

The federal government, he said, gave priority to the development of Sabah and Sarawak and this was proven by the 20% higher allocations for infrastructure development expenditure for the two states, compared to other states in the 2022 Budget.

“This move is to ensure that Sabah and Sarawak together develop in line with the aspirations of Keluarga Malaysia.

“It can further bridge the development gap between these two states and other states in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.