A total of 122 new bridges under the Rural Bridges Transformation Programme (RBTP) have been or are being built in Sarawak, including in former logging road areas that have long served as key routes for interior communities.
Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said that of the total, four bridges have been completed, while another 52 are currently under construction.
He said 11 projects are now at the tender stage, while 55 others are in the pre-contract stage.
“The construction of these bridges reflects Sarawak’s progress and our commitment to modernising the transport system.
“It helps the people stay connected and reflects our vision towards a united Sarawak with a comprehensive connectivity network,” he said.
He said this in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today.
In the same development, he said Sarawak is now entering the transition phase from the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with a focus on the continuity of high-impact projects.
He said that this is to ensure that the development foundations established under 12MP can be fully realised in the next national development phase.
“Under 13MP, the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) has been tasked with implementing 267 projects funded by the Sarawak Government, with a total value of RM31.30 billion.
“These projects cover key components of modern infrastructure, namely 172 road projects; 37 bridge projects; 40 building projects; 14 river structure projects; and four airport projects.
“A total of 74 projects have been completed worth RM4.8 billion; 124 projects are under construction worth RM20.3 billion; 24 projects are at tender stage worth RM4.1 billion; and 45 projects are at pre-contract stage worth RM2.1 billion,” he added.
Commenting on mega bridge construction, Uggah said Sarawak has so far completed 10 mega bridges, which serve as catalysts for connectivity and regional economic development.
“These iconic infrastructure projects are not merely physical links, but also reflect the Sarawak Government’s commitment under the visionary leadership of Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg to improve accessibility, stimulate regional growth, and enhance the quality of life of people throughout Sarawak,” he said.
He also explained that the Sarawak PWD is currently also managing the implementation of 597 projects worth RM4.62 billion under six development agencies.
Among them, he revealed, are 91 projects under the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) worth RM456.42 million; 33 projects under the Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA) worth RM916.29 million; and 248 projects under the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) worth RM681.17 million.
He added that there are also 35 projects under the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA) worth RM704.40 million; 168 projects under the Greater Kuching Development Coordination Agency (GKCDA) worth RM678.79 million; and 22 projects under the Mid Rajang Regional Development Agency (MiRRDA) worth RM1.186 billion.
“The status of these projects currently is that 156 projects have been completed; 130 projects are under construction; 38 projects are at the tender stage; and 273 projects are at the pre-contract stage,” he said.
