SAMARAHAN: The opening of the Batang Lupar Bridge has transformed Sebuyau from a former ferry transit town into a growing visitor destination, bringing new economic opportunities for local businesses.
Once dependent on ferry traffic linking coastal areas such as Beladin, Maludam and Pusa with major towns in Sarawak, Sebuyau is now attracting motorists and domestic tourists eager to see the iconic bridge.
The increase in visitor traffic has provided a significant boost to businesses at Sebuyau Market, with food outlets, stalls and retail shops reporting higher customer numbers than before.
For many traders, the change has gone beyond improved daily sales, breathing new life into businesses that previously relied mainly on local customers and ferry passengers.
Retail shop owner Sally Phiang, 57, said she had never seen Sebuyau Market as busy as it is today during her more than four decades of operating in the area.
“In the 40 years I have been doing business here, I have never seen the market this crowded. Sebuyau was never considered a tourist destination, but people now come specifically to see the bridge and stop by the market.
“Many come to eat, which has benefited food vendors. My business also gains from visitors purchasing drinks, snacks and daily necessities,” she said.
Sally added that her eatery has also benefited from the increase in visitors, with fried noodles among its most popular menu items.
“I never imagined that a bridge could contribute so much to our business growth.
“Sales are far better now than before, which shows that this market has strong potential for further development,” she said.
Despite the positive trend, she hopes parking facilities around the market can be expanded to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
“The parking area is often full and visitors sometimes struggle to find a space.
“If possible, more parking spaces should be provided so visitors can stop here comfortably,” she said.
Food and beverage trader Salleh Wahab, 70, said the bridge has significantly boosted his income since its opening.
The trader, who has been operating for more than 13 years, said his daily sales have increased from around RM70 previously to as much as RM200 today through the sale of fried bananas, drinks and snacks.
“I used to operate near the jetty before moving to Sebuyau Market about four or five years ago.
“Now I can earn up to RM200 a day. The increase has been very significant and I am grateful for it,” he said.
According to Salleh, most of his customers were previously ferry users travelling to and from Beladin, Maludam and Pusa who stopped while waiting for their turn to cross.
“There are many new faces now. Some come from Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia and even Indonesia. The bridge has become a new icon that attracts visitors from outside Sebuyau.
“Not only have traders benefited, but Sebuyau is also becoming better known beyond the district,” he said.
Salleh expressed hope that the government would consider developing a more strategic and comfortable hawker area to cater to future growth in visitor numbers.
“If possible, a dedicated hawker area should be created so visitors can stop and sit comfortably. Basic facilities should also be improved as the area becomes more popular.
“We want development in Sebuyau to keep pace with the growing number of visitors so that the town becomes more vibrant and attractive,” he said.
For local residents and traders, the Batang Lupar Bridge has become more than a transport link.
It has emerged as a catalyst for economic growth, drawing visitors to Sebuyau and creating new opportunities for businesses that once relied largely on ferry traffic.
