Kuala lumpur: The announcement of a new road connecting Nanga Serau in Song to Nanga Seranau in Kapit, Sarawak, has brought relief to hundreds of longhouse families who have long relied solely on river transport to reach Kapit town. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for including the project in the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), describing it as significant development for the people of Kapit.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nanta highlighted that hundreds of longhouse families residing on the left bank of Sungai Batang Rajang depend entirely on the river route to travel to and from Kapit town. He noted that the long-awaited project is about to become a reality. The initiative is part of the government's plan to construct and upgrade 2,800 kilometres of rural roads nationwide during the 13MP, which spans from 2026 to 2030.

Nanta, who is Kapit Member of Parliament, added that the project will include the construction of a bridge across the Batang Rajang near Nanga Yong, which will directly connect the left side of the river to Kapit town. He emphasized that as the elected representative for the constituency, he understands the hardships faced by residents, and this announcement brings renewed hope and motivation to continue advocating for development and equal access in Sarawak's interior. He stated that this is evidence that the voices of rural communities remain a priority in the national development agenda.

Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir emphasized the need to reshape thinking, strengthen strategic leadership, and foster shared consensus in transforming Malaysia's higher education sector in line with the direction of the 13MP. He called on all stakeholders to move forward together in shaping a more vibrant future for the country's higher education, stating that this is not about any one individual but for the future of the children and the nation, working as one team.