SEBUYAU: The completion of the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge has fulfilled the long-held aspirations of coastal communities by improving connectivity and driving economic activity along Sarawak’s coastal road network.
Utility and Telecommunication Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, said the 4.8-kilometre bridge had realised the hopes of rural residents, particularly those living in coastal areas, who had waited years for better access.
He described the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge as the most strategic bridge along the Sarawak Coastal Road, saying it had already transformed movement and development in the surrounding areas.
“Traffic flow, especially in Sebuyau, is now very heavy. Even the town experiences congestion and eateries are full, showing the significant changes brought about by the bridge in Sebuyau, Meludam, Pusa and the surrounding areas.
“This was a big dream that has been turned into reality by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government under the leadership of the Premier,” he said.
He said this during the launching of Batang Lupar 1 Bridge, which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg here today.
Julaihi, who is the Sebuyau assemblyman, said the bridge had significantly reduced travelling time to destinations such as Lingga, Betong and Sri Aman, making it a game changer for communities along the coastal corridor.
He also thanked residents, particularly those in the constituency, for their cooperation throughout the construction period, which enabled the project to be completed successfully despite earlier engineering challenges.
“For those of us living along the coast, this is one of the most meaningful gifts we could have received, not just for Sebuyau but for communities throughout the Sarawak Coastal Road.
“What matters most is that the people of Sebuyau and communities along the coastal areas now have the longest bridge crossing a river in Malaysia,” he said.
