Its minister, Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the Sarawak deputy premier, said RM490.941 million had been set aside for land infrastructure, and RM83.86 million for riverine infrastructure.

A sum of RM167.41 million is also allocated for the development of government buildings and RM53.5 million for public buildings, he said when winding up the debate on Sarawak’s 2023 budget for his ministry at the state assembly here today.

Uggah said the Sarawak coastal road network would continue to be developed next year. This involves the replacement of seven ferry crossings with bridges, the construction of link roads and the upgrading of 331km of the 896km coastal stretch.

Thirteen work packages had been awarded for the construction of bridges and roads, which were at various stages of implementation and expected to be completed by 2025, he said.

On the upgrading of coastal roads, Uggah said eight of the 29 work packages had been completed with the remaining 21 packages being implemented in stages and expected to be completed by 2024.

He said six of the 14 work packages for the Sarawak second trunk road project were scheduled to be completed by 2025.

Uggah also said the port masterplan study would commence in the first quarter of next year with the Miri Port Authority being selected as the pioneer.

He said the Kuching Port Authority (KPA) had been allocated RM70 million to equip itself with quay cranes, RM30.5 million to install a vessel traffic management system (VTMS), and RM56.9 million for a vehicle yard and associated facilities.