SELANGAU: The Pan Borneo Highway Project has propelled Selangau into a new growth centre in central Sarawak, says the Sibu Rural District Council Chairman.
Councillor Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said the highway not only strengthened transport links between urban and rural areas but also unlocked fresh economic opportunities for local communities.
Sempurai, who spoke on behalf of Selangau MP Edwin Banta at the opening of the Selangau Carnival 2025 on Friday (Oct 24) night, said the Pan Borneo Highway has become a key catalyst for socio-economic transformation in central Sarawak, especially Selangau, which is fast emerging as a hub for trade, small enterprises and local tourism.
“The Pan Borneo Project (project) creates space for more balanced development and accelerates progress in areas like Selangau, shaping the future of rural communities,” he said, adding that improved accessibility and population mobility have stimulated local economic activities
He said the rapid pace of infrastructure development also aligned with the Sarawak government’s aspiration to ensure that growth is shared across all regions, including the rural heartland.
Meanwhile, Sempurai described the Selangau Carnival as a showcase of rural unity and entrepreneurship.
“Through this carnival, we want to see more local entrepreneurs uplifted and more young people venturing into business. This is the true spirit of rural development – by the people, for the people,” he said.
