Closer engineering collaboration needed to improves rural connectivity, sustainable development

MIRI : Sarawak has called for closer collaboration between government, industry and engineering professionals to address rural connectivity challenges and deliver more sustainable infrastructure across the state.

Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (Infrastructure Development) Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, representing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said practical engineering expertise was essential to ensuring infrastructure projects met the needs of local communities.

Speaking at the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Miri Branch Annual Dinner 2026 on Saturday (Oct. 17), he highlighted the importance of improving rural accessibility, maintaining roads and strengthening regional connectivity as Sarawak advances towards becoming a high-income and developed region.

Among the key issues raised during an earlier engagement between the Deputy Premier and IEM Miri Branch representatives were the challenges associated with logging roads, particularly in rural areas, as well as the need for more sustainable approaches to road maintenance, river crossings and rural access.

The discussions also covered the responsible use of local materials, including river gravel, in infrastructure development, alongside the Miri Port Authority’s ongoing dredging works and the importance of maintaining navigational access for maritime and economic activities.

Aidel also highlighted the strategic importance of regional connectivity, particularly the Miri-Marudi corridor, saying improved access could support economic activities, tourism and access to essential services while creating more opportunities for local communities.

He said emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital engineering, Building Information Modelling, automation and advanced analytics, were transforming infrastructure planning and delivery. However, he stressed that technological progress must be underpinned by professional integrity, accountability and sound engineering judgement.

The annual dinner also marked a milestone for the engineering profession with the launched of the Women Engineers Section (WES) of IEM Miri Branch, an initiative intended to expand networking and professional development opportunities for women engineers and encourage greater female representation in leadership.

The evening also featured the Sustainability Leadership Awards, which recognise organisations committed to environmental stewardship, sustainable development and responsible business practices. Aidel said sustainability must be integral to the planning, design and delivery of infrastructure and development projects.

He reaffirmed the Sarawak Government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure connectivity, improving accessibility, developing ports and enhancing rural access, while calling for continued cooperation with IEM Miri Branch and the wider engineering fraternity to support the state’s long-term development.

Also present at the annual dinner were Sarawak Minister for Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, and Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, alongside members of the engineering fraternity and other invited guests.