The word impossible is not in my dictionary.
– Napoleon Bonaparte, French statesman
There is an old phrase, “a bridge too far”, used to describe an ambition so grand, so unrealistic, or so daring that failure becomes almost inevitable. The phrase gained worldwide recognition through the 1977 war film A Bridge Too Far, directed by Richard Attenborough, which chronicled the failed Allied attempt during World War II to capture a series of strategic bridges in the Netherlands.
The final bridge at Arnhem proved impossible to secure, forcing Allied troops into retreat. Since then, the phrase has become synonymous with impractical ambition: a dream beyond reach.
But in Sarawak today, under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the phrase has taken on an entirely different meaning. In fact, for Abang Johari, there is no bridge too far. No river too wide. No rural community too remote. No challenge too difficult when it comes to connecting the people of Sarawak to opportunity, progress and each other.
That is why the opening of the Batang Lupar 1 bridge is far more than merely another infrastructure milestone. It represents the triumph of political will, visionary leadership and the determination of a government that refuses to allow geography to dictate the fate of its people. It is yet another bold statement that Sarawak, under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, is prepared to take its future into its own hands.
Many Sarawakians still remember what happened in 2018 when several critical bridge projects approved earlier were either cancelled or placed on hold by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Pakatan Harapan government. Among the projects affected were the Batang Lupar, Batang Rambungan and Batang Igan bridges. The reasoning given at the time was that the bridges were either not critical or fell under state jurisdiction.
For many leaders, such a setback would have triggered endless complaints, blame games and political drama. But Abang Johari chose a completely different path. He did not moan. He did not sulk. He did not beg Putrajaya.
Instead, he moved swiftly and decisively, committing Sarawak’s own funds to ensure the projects continued without delay. It was one of the clearest demonstrations yet of his “Sarawak First” philosophy, a leadership approach built not on rhetoric but on action.
Today, the results are there for all to see. What was once dismissed as overly ambitious is now rapidly transforming the physical and economic landscape of Sarawak. Depending on various project updates, between 16 and 21 major bridges are now being implemented or completed under Sarawak’s own initiative and financing. Ten have already been completed and opened to the public, replacing several ferry crossings that for decades symbolised rural isolation and development bottlenecks. Several are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The completed bridges already include the iconic Batang Lupar 1 bridge itself, the Muara Lassa bridge and the Batang Igan bridge. Others are nearing completion, the Batang Rambungan bridge in Lundu and the Batang Paloh bridge in Mukah. Together, these bridges form the backbone of a new coastal road network that is dramatically reshaping travel, trade and connectivity across the state.
And nowhere is this transformation felt more emotionally than among the people living around Batang Lupar. A former colleague from the Borneo Post, now residing near the bridge, could barely contain his emotions when speaking about its opening. With tears in his eyes, he remarked that he never thought he would live to see the day the bridge became reality. For decades, villagers endured stressful waits for the ferry, especially during festive seasons when queues stretched endlessly. To many locals, the bridge is nothing short of a godsend.
Indeed, generations of Sarawakians had accepted ferry congestion as part of life. The Sebuyau-Triso ferry crossing became infamous for long delays, uncertainty and frustration. During Hari Raya, Gawai or school holidays, motorists often spent hours waiting under the scorching sun just to cross the river. During monsoon seasons, rough waters and strong currents near the river mouth turned crossings into nerve-wracking experiences.
Now, all that changes. The Batang Lupar 1 bridge officially opened to traffic on May 21, just ahead of Hari Raya Haji and Gawai Dayak celebrations. For the first time in decades, thousands travelling between Kuching, Sri Aman, Betong and other coastal towns can bypass the notorious ferry bottleneck completely. The psychological impact alone is enormous. Suddenly, journeys that once took six or seven exhausting hours are becoming significantly shorter, smoother and safer.
Abang Johari himself captured the mood perfectly when he remarked in his usual relaxed Sarawak style: “Sikda gago nak bertunggu feri lagik (There is no longer any need to rush or worry about waiting for the ferry).”
That simple sentence echoes deeply because it reflects something larger than infrastructure. It reflects dignity. It reflects convenience. It reflects the feeling that rural Sarawakians are no longer forgotten citizens waiting endlessly at the margins of development.
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that the bridge is completely toll-free despite carrying a price tag of RM848 million. Fully funded by the Sarawak government, the project reportedly reduced costs from the initial estimate of over RM1 billion without compromising its scale and engineering significance. Stretching approximately 4.8 kilometres, the Batang Lupar bridge now overtakes the Sungai Johor bridge as Malaysia’s longest river-crossing bridge.
This is no ordinary bridge. It includes a massive cable-stayed section and supporting road infrastructure linking Kampung Sebuyau and Kampung Triso. More importantly, it marks the symbolic end of an era defined by ferry dependency, logistical limitations and interrupted mobility.
Critics may argue that bridges alone do not define progress. They are right. But bridges create the conditions that make progress possible. They connect farmers to markets, students to schools, patients to hospitals and businesses to investment opportunities. They reduce travel costs, stimulate tourism, attract development and unlock economic potential previously trapped by geography.
That is why Abang Johari deserves the many superlatives increasingly attached to his name: Master Bridge Builder, Architect of Modern Sarawak, Father of Digital Sarawak, Pioneer of the Green Economy, Guardian of MA63 Rights and even the leader with the Midas touch. Yet perhaps the most fitting description is simpler and more profound: a leader who understands that development must touch the daily lives of ordinary people.
The Batang Lupar bridge is proof that the GPS government follows through on promises instead of merely making announcements for political applause. In an age where many governments excel at slogans, branding exercises and social media theatrics, Sarawakians are witnessing something refreshingly different: delivery.
And this delivery matters because Sarawak’s geography has always posed enormous challenges. Rivers that once served as lifelines also became barriers separating communities and slowing development. Previous generations accepted this reality as unavoidable. But Abang Johari refused to see these rivers as obstacles. He saw them instead as engineering challenges waiting to be solved.
That mindset is precisely why NO BRIDGE IS TOO FAR FOR ABANG JOHARI.
In many ways, the Batang Lupar bridge symbolises the broader Sarawak story unfolding under his leadership. Whether in digital transformation, renewable energy, education reform, hydrogen development or infrastructure expansion, the Premier consistently pushes boundaries others once considered unrealistic. What some dismiss as overambitious, he quietly turns into reality.
That is why Sarawak today increasingly stands apart from the rest of the country. While others debate endlessly, Sarawak builds. While others complain about limitations, Sarawak creates solutions. While others wait for federal allocations, Sarawak mobilises its own resources and moves ahead.
Maybe it is finally time for Malayan leaders to “Look East” once again. But this time, not towards Japan. It is time to Look Sarawak!
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at rajlira@gmail.com
