Long Lama poised for economic boost with RM3.8 bln road, RM6 bln solar project
by Jenifer Laeng · Borneo Post OnlineMIRI (April 5): Residents of Long Lama and surrounding villages are expected to benefit from a range of development projects, including infrastructure upgrades and new economic opportunities driven by high-impact investments in the area, said Datuk Dennis Ngau.
The Telang Usan assemblyman said the Sarawak government is currently implementing key projects to spur development in Baram, including the RM3.8 billion Miri-Marudi-Mulu (Long Terawan)-Long Panai-Long Lama (MMMLL) road, which is expected to generate economic spillover benefits along the route.
“Long Lama will become an important transit route and a stopover destination for visitors.
“This will create significant opportunities for the Chinese business community in Long Lama bazaar,” he said when officiating the Long Lama Reunion Dinner here on Friday.
Dennis, who is also Sarawak Tourism Board chairman, said entrepreneurs and traders in Long Lama should prepare to capitalise on the development by expanding into hotels, accommodation facilities and tourism-related services.
He added that the retail and logistics sectors are also expected to benefit from increased economic activity once the project is completed.
According to him, the MMMLL road will eventually link Long Lama to Limbang and Lawas via the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR), which is currently under construction and will intersect with the route.
“Beyond infrastructure, the Integrated Solar Farm project in the Baram Economic Zone will serve as a new catalyst for the local economy. It will not merely be a solar farm, but a comprehensive rural transformation ecosystem,” he said.
Dennis said the RM6 billion clean energy project aligns with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 Green Economy Agenda.
He urged residents in Long Lama and nearby areas to be prepared to seize upcoming economic opportunities to improve household incomes and participate actively in economic activities.
At the event, Dennis also presented ‘angpows’ (red packets) to elderly attendees, including 91-year-old Sim Kui Hua, the oldest resident in Long Lama.
Also present were Long Lama Chinese community leader Penghulu Desmond Yap, Progressive Democratic Party national youth chief David Yeo Ang Lim and his wife Datin Debbie Irang.