KAPIT, 6 NOVEMBER 2025 – The Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), through its regional agency, the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), today marked a new era of development in the Upper Rajang region with the officiating  of the new URDA Office in Kapit.

The day began with the Sarawak Development Coordination Committee Meeting (SDCCM), convened to review the progress of development projects and high-impact programmes across the state, ensuring alignment with Sarawak’s socio-economic growth objectives. The meeting was chaired by The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak and Chairman of RECODA, and attended by senior state officials and key implementing agencies, including RECODA.

Following the meeting, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, YB Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, and other dignitaries proceeded to the URDA Office, where they officiated its opening and witnessed the symbolic launch of the High Impact Community Project (HICP). The event also featured a brief tour of the office and project exhibition, followed by a group photo session before the delegation attended the Merarau Bersama Komuniti at the Dewan Suarah Kapit.

The newly refurbished URDA Office, located in Kapit town, has undergone extensive interior renovation including updated architectural finishes, upgraded mechanical and electrical systems fitted with modern mechanical and electrical including audio visual systems, as well as modern ICT and safety installations.

As the first regional office established among RECODA’s three regional agencies, it serves as a central facility to coordinate the planning and implementation of physical and socio-economic development programmes across the URDA region. It also functions as an important meeting point for stakeholders and the public, fostering collaboration and engagement in the region’s growth initiatives

To date, RM1.5 billion in alternative funding has been approved, covering 42 projects, including major road and bridge works, water supply initiatives, and the ongoing Kapit Master Plan, which charts a sustainable and well-planned urban growth strategy for the region.

URDA has also implemented 24 socio-economic programmes under the COMMUNITY@SCORE initiative, benefiting local entrepreneurs, farmers, and small-scale industries in agriculture, fisheries, and rural enterprise development.

In conjunction with the office officiating  ceremony, the event also witnessed the launching of the High Impact Community Project (HICP) between RECODA, TERAJU (Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM);  a strategic collaboration aimed at empowering local communities through innovation, knowledge transfer, and research-based economic initiatives, while ensuring equitable development through close cooperation between state and federal agencies.

The HICP aims to uplift rural livelihoods and B40 communities by integrating inclusive economic activities that strengthen the value chain and promote sustainable income generation. Through translational research, innovation transfer, and business facilitation, the programme seeks to create long-term socio-economic impact within the SCORE region.

Under this initiative, URDA will oversee 60 participants across two (2) project locations. The projects worth RM5.5 million are funded by TERAJU, with RECODA as strategic partner and USM as implementing agency. These include 10 participants in the Integration of Duck Egg, Banana, and Azolla Farming programme in Kampung Bukit Goram and Kampung Nanga Yong Ulu, and 50 participants in the Production and Commercialisation of madu kelulut lestari (sustainable stingless bee honey) programme in Kampung Tatai Mas Raweng and Kampung Selirik, Kapit.

Similar projects are also being undertaken by the Highland Development Agency (HDA) and the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA), involving the commercialisation of pineapples and coffee, respectively.

The HICP continues the momentum of RECODA’s Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) 2022–2026, which identified 180 potential projects focusing on tourism, agriculture and forestry, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

At the Merarau Bersama Komuniti held after the officiating ceremony for the URDA Office, Datuk Haji Ismawi Bin Haji Ismuni, CEO of RECODA, then formally handed over the Kapit Masterplan report to YB Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Works and Chairman of URDA, in a symbolic launching ceremony witnessed by the Premier.

The Detailed Master Plan for Kapit, which was completed by RECODA recently, aims to transform Kapit into a sustainable growth centre that supports regional economic development while preserving its environment and culture.

Earlier this year, from 17 to 25 February 2025, a high-level benchmarking visit to Oslo and Bergen, Norway, was undertaken to learn from Norway’s best practices in sustainable urban development, regional planning, and rural integration. The visit offered valuable insights on applying these principles to Sarawak’s interior development.

During the benchmarking visit to Oslo and Bergen earlier this year, YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development II, invited Dr. Hans-Jacob Roald from the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences to visit Sarawak for technical collaboration on urban and regional planning, which took place from 16–27 October 2025.

After the symbolic launch of the Kapit Masterplan, another symbolic gesture was carried out  to commemorate the officiating of the URDA Office, with Dato Sri Alexander receiving a mock key to the office, witnessed by the Premier.

With the new URDA Office and the launch of the High Impact Community Project, the Upper Rajang region is poised for accelerated socio-economic transformation, guided by sustainable development initiatives and strategic planning under the Kapit Master Plan.

In a short address during the Merarau, Dato Sri Alexander also highlighted URDA’s focus on accelerating infrastructure projects that connect and uplift the Upper Rajang region, including road, bridge, and utility networks that are vital to improving accessibility and economic participation.

He noted that these developments, supported by RECODA and the State Government, will lay the foundation for long-term growth and better quality of life for communities across central Sarawak.