KUALA LUMPUR (25 NOVEMBER 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) welcomes the Sarawak State Government’s recent initiatives to enhance connectivity in the northern region, as well as its commitment to close the rural-urban development gap by 2030.
SUHAKAM notes the launch of the Miri-Marudi, Marudi-Mulu (Kuala Melinau), and Long Panai–Long Lama (MMMLL Road) Project on 15 November 2025, which aims to upgrade former logging roads into fully accessible public roads by 2030. This initiative, announced by the Premier of Sarawak, is expected to enhance accessibility, spur economic opportunities, and strengthen social and commercial activities in the interior.
SUHAKAM commends this positive development, recognizing it as a significant step toward ensuring that communities living in remote parts of Sarawak are not left behind due to long-standing infrastructural gaps. Many marginalised and deep-rural communities continue to face challenges in accessing essential services, economic participation, and basic infrastructure. Improved and sustainable connectivity is therefore crucial to advancing their inclusion in the state’s long-term development plans. SUHAKAM hopes that the implementation of the MMMLL Road Project will be undertaken in a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive manner, ensuring that the benefits reach all communities, especially those that have historically experienced limited accessibility.
SUHAKAM also welcomes the Premier’s pledge to close the rural–urban gap by 2030, as reported on 23 November 2025. The Premier stated that there should be no disparity between rural and urban areas in terms of facilities and infrastructure, including access to electricity and clean water supply.
While acknowledging the progress achieved over the years, SUHAKAM notes that many communities in rural Sarawak still left behind in quality of life due to inadequate infrastructure.
SUHAKAM further urges the Sarawak Government to prioritise these long-standing challenges to ensure that rural residents enjoy a standard of living comparable to that of urban communities. SUHAKAM commends the Premier for these forward-looking commitments and reaffirms its readiness, through the Office of SUHAKAM Sarawak to support efforts that uphold the rights and dignity of all people in Sarawak, particularly those residing in underserved and remote areas.
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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 25 November 2025
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