Since undergoing re-demarcation of Sarawak’s administrative boundaries in August 2015, Marudi District has been experiencing changes impacting those living in the northern interior of the State through development projects that have or continue to be carried out.
These projects in forms of basic infrastructure, utilities, telecommunication, upgrading or construction of facilities and amenities, and many others are expected to benefit the people there, and balance socio-economic progress between urban and rural communities.
A notable project, according to its district officer Rose anak Edward Tarang, is Marudi Waterfront, designed to provide attractive facilities for recreation and leisure, and, most importantly, a conducive venue to organise major events.
The waterfront has been deemed an “iconic” spot in the district, she says in an interview with RAKAN Sarawak, having hosted the 2023 edition of Baram Regatta, dubbed “the mother of all regattas”.
“(Marudi Waterfront) does not only support our signature event namely Baram Regatta, but also put Marudi on the map alongside well-known destinations in Sarawak,” she explains.
She adds that it will undergo an extension of up to more than one kilometre to Kampung Dagang, potentially becoming one of the longest waterfronts in Sarawak and further cementing itself as the district’s vital tourism product.
Another important product in Marudi is Fort Hose, where its conservation and upgrading works by the Sarawak Government is now completed.
The historical site is protected by retaining walls along Batang Baram that are constructed and improved through projects under Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to prevent riverbank erosion and beautify the area’s landscape.
A three-star hotel under Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is also being proposed to be built overlooking the river.
Upon its completion in a few years’ time, it is expected to provide accommodation for tourists visiting the area, as well as a space to host meetings, conferences, wedding receptions and other events, subsequently spurring the local economy.
To Pn Rose, however, Marudi should be recognised far more than just its historically renowned boat race and fort.
Having recently transferred from Miri Resident Office at the time of the interview, she is looking to work together with the district’s community leaders on uplifting other local events that can be as prominent as Baram Regatta, apart from setting her direction towards developing Marudi.
“These community leaders, together with the staff of the district office and implementing agencies, form my team that will direct me to showcase what Marudi has, so that people are aware of its originality and signature. I am very determined to bring that up,” she states.
A potential tourist attraction, suggests the district’s Malay community leader Pemanca Jamel bin Haji Sabil, is Loagan Bunut Lake in Long Lama – the largest natural lake in Sarawak.
Located in Loagan Bunut National Park, the lake is known for its disappearing features during the drought season, which usually occurs between February and September annually.
Still, for Marudi District’s tourism sector to thrive, its road network connecting within Miri Division and beyond needs to be enhanced.
The upcoming Marudi Bridge, for instance, can serve as the main link between the district and other areas in Miri Division when its construction is expected to be completed in 2025, offering better transport access and significant socio-economic benefits to local communities.
With other major road projects – including the road connecting Miri and Long Terawan through Marudi District as well as the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road – that are to take place in years to come, it is hoped that the district is able to turn into a satellite town, says Pemanca Jamel.
“Although we (the older generation) may not be around when these road projects are realised, the next generation will be able to enjoy the overflow of development here,” he comments.
| NO | PROJECT | TYPE OF PROJECT | IMPLEMENTING AGENCY | PROJECT STATUS |
| 1 | Remaining Works for Proposed Marudi Bridge over Batang Baram | Projek Rakyat | Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) | To be completed in 2025 |
| 2 | Marudi Waterfront Extension to Kampung Dagang | Projek Rakyat | Marudi District Council | Currently in the siting process |
| 3 | Marudi Waterfront | Projek Rakyat | Marudi District Council | Completed |
| 4 | River Wall and Other Associated Work at Fort Hose | State (under 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP)) | Jabatan Kerja Raya | Completed |
| 5 | Conservation and Upgrading of Forts in Sarawak – Marudi District Fort (Fort Hose) | State (under 11MP) | Jabatan Kerja Raya | Completed |
| 6 | Proposed Water Supply from Marudi Treatment Plant to Gudang, Lubok Nibong, Villages / Longhouses and Nearby Settlements Along the Road | Federal (under 11MP) | Jabatan Bekalan Air Luar Bandar (JBALB) | Completed |
| 7 | Marudi Industrial Estate (Phase 1) | Federal (under 11MP) | Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak | Completed |
| 8 | Construction of Riverbank Retaining Wall at Batang Baram | Federal (under 11MP) | Department of Irrigation and Drainage | Completed |
| 9 | Marudi Business Premise at Lot 2664, Block 7, Puyut Land District, Sg Ridan | Federal (under 11MP) | Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) | Completed |
| 10 | Proposed Re-roofing and Associated works to Baram Civic Centre, Marudi District | Alternative Fund by Ministry of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak | Jabatan Kerja Raya | To be completed in September 2024 |
Table 1: List of selected key development projects in Marudi District (as of January 2024) (Source: Marudi District Office)
About Marudi District
Located in Miri Division in north-east Sarawak, Marudi District used to have an area size of 22,081 sq km until the re-demarcation of Sarawak administrative boundaries on 1 August 2015.
Since then, it covers 3,113 sq km in area size with a total population of 22,600 people. Under Marudi District administration is Mulu Sub-district, which is 1,573 sq km in area size and has a population of 4,696 people.
Marudi District is home to Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the biggest national park in Sarawak.
Marudi Town itself is where the historical Fort Hose can be found. Named after British administrator, zoologist, ethnologist and photographer Charles Hose, the fort is now Baram Regional Museum, which has undergone conservation and upgrading work by the Sarawak Government.
Source:
https://miri.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/webpage_view/189/marudido
https://mulupark.com/
https://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/mulu-national-park
https://museum.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/webpage_view/99
Reference:
Kiew, P. (2023, October 6). Penguang: 2025 completion date expected for Marudi waterfront extension, proposed first phase of 3-star hotel. The Borneo Post. https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/10/06/penguang-2025-completion-date-expected-for-marudi-waterfront-extension-proposed-first-phase-of-3-star-hotel/
Margaret, R. (2023, September 30). Baram Regatta to be held triennially from now. New Sarawak Tribune. https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/baram-regatta-to-be-held-triennially-from-now/
Natasha, J. and Margaret, R. (2023, September 30). Kilometre long Marudi waterfront in the works. New Sarawak Tribune. https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/kilometre-long-marudi-waterfront-in-the-works/
Sarawak To Build Road Connecting Miri, Marudi, Mulu And Long Terawan. (2024, February 13). Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak. https://ukas.sarawak.gov.my/2024/02/13/sarawak-to-build-road-connecting-miri-marudi-mulu-and-long-terawan/
Shikin, L. (2023, September 30). Premier: First 3-star hotel in Marudi to bring in tourists, increase local economy. DayakDaily. https://dayakdaily.com/premier-first-3-star-hotel-in-marudi-to-bring-in-tourists-increase-local-economy/
