SARAWAK will witness another historic milestone tomorrow (Thursday, May 21) with the opening of the Batang Lupar No. 1 Bridge in Sebuyau, marking a major step forward in the state’s infrastructure transformation agenda.
The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, said the 4.8-kilometre bridge, the longest river-crossing bridge in Malaysia, would end the long-standing Triso ferry service and significantly improve connectivity for the people.
“Tomorrow, Sarawak will witness a historic moment with the opening of the Batang Lupar No. 1 Bridge in Sebuyau,” he said in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (May 20).
“With this bridge, the rakyat can return to their villages more easily for the Hari Raya Aidiladha and Gawai celebrations. There will no longer be a need to wait for the ferry,” he added.
Abang Johari said infrastructure development remained the backbone of Sarawak’s overall development strategy under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
He recalled how travelling to Simanggang in the past could take up to six or seven hours, compared to the much faster and more convenient journeys enjoyed today.
“Today, the situation has changed tremendously. Travel has become easier and faster, to the point where one can have breakfast there and return to Kuching for lunch,” he said.
He said the transformation was achieved through continuous efforts to connect regions across Sarawak, stimulate economic activity, and improve accessibility and mobility.
“During the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), the Sarawak Government undertook one of the state’s most impactful infrastructure transformations through the construction of 21 major bridges, alongside strategic road networks such as the Coastal Road Network Connectivity Programme and the Second Trunk Road.
“Out of the 21 major bridges, 10 have been completed and opened to the public, replacing six ferry services that were previously part of the daily routine for local communities,” he said.
“By the end of this year, another eight bridges are expected to be completed.”
Abang Johari said the government’s vision under PCDS 2030 was to achieve 100 per cent road connectivity throughout Sarawak to ensure every community was linked to economic opportunities, services and development.
“Every completed road, every bridge opened, and every transport network established is proof of the government’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing and prosperity of the rakyat continue to be safeguarded,” he said.
He added that the achievements demonstrated how political stability, disciplined implementation, and prudent financial management could translate into tangible outcomes for Sarawak’s future.
