SEBUYAU: The Batang Lupar 1 Bridge has entered the Malaysia Book of Records as the country’s longest bridge crossing a river, marking a milestone for a once cancelled project that has transformed connectivity along Sarawak’s coastal corridor.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said many residents had almost given up hope after the federal government cancelled the project, but the Sarawak government revived and completed it using state funds.
He said the bridge would stand as a lasting legacy of the state’s commitment to delivering long-awaited infrastructure projects for future generations.
“At one point, many people thought this bridge would never be built, especially after the federal government decided to cancel the project.
“It was once a dream, but today it has become a reality. I don’t think any Sarawakian will ever forget that contribution.
“With the completion of this bridge, ferry services have become history,” he said during the opening ceremony of the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge, which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg here today.
Uggah, who is also Infrastructure and Port Development Minister, said the RM848.745-million project began construction on January 14, 2021 before opening to the public on May 26 this year.
Stretching 4.844 kilometres, the two-lane bridge built to JKR R5 standards crosses the Batang Lupar River on 87 piers.
Uggah said construction was initially scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 but was delayed by about three months after engineers encountered challenging geological conditions during piling works at Pier 52 near Triso Island.
“The Batang Lupar 1 Bridge was among the most challenging engineering projects undertaken in Malaysia because it was built across a river estuary with complex geological conditions.
“The project required world-class engineering expertise, including the use of the largest launching gantry in Malaysia for girder installation and the tallest piling barge ever deployed in the country, enabling piles measuring 2.5 metres in diameter to be installed to depths of up to 95 metres.
“Despite the challenges, including strong river currents caused by Triso Island dividing the river into two channels, the bridge was completed through careful planning and innovative design without affecting the island’s ecosystem, reflecting the Sarawak government’s commitment to sustainable development,” he explained.
He added the bridge had received an encouraging response since opening, attracting visitors from within and outside Sarawak.
“I recently met a group of visitors from Singapore who told me they had travelled to see the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge and admired it very much.
“That is our pride,” he said.
