SARIKEI: The soon-to-be-completed Batang Rajang Bridge is poised to transform regional connectivity and catalyse economic development across key areas in central Sarawak, including Sarikei, Bintangor, Tanjung Manis, Belawai, and Pulau Bruit.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the bridge’s construction reflects the Sarawak government’s firm commitment to rural development through strategic and sustainable infrastructure planning.
“Very soon, we will open the Batang Rajang Bridge, linking Jalan Pasi Sarikei to Tanjung Manis. This will dramatically improve access between Sarikei, Jerijih, Belawai, and nearby areas,” he said during the ‘Santai Aidilfitri Bersama YB Datuk Len’ event held at a hotel here, recently.
Len, who is also the assemblyman for Kuala Rajang, noted that plans for developing roads and bridges in the region had existed for over three decades but had been delayed due to financial constraints.
“Infrastructure development demands long-term planning and significant investment. Without clear vision and strategic execution, these projects would not be possible,” he said.
He was confident the new bridge would serve as a game-changer for local communities, particularly by easing the movement of goods and enabling local entrepreneurs to expand their markets.
“The opportunities are there; now it’s up to our entrepreneurs to take advantage and market their products,” he added.
During the event, Len also announced the approval of a new 12 km road project connecting Sarikei to Kampung Bukit Kinyau, funded under the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA) with an allocation exceeding RM80 million. The project will extend to Sentebu, near St Andrew’s Primary School.
