BINTULU: The iconic Kuala Kemena Jepak Bridge has officially been named the Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge, in honour of the late former Head of State and Chief Minister Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the cable-stayed bridge was a symbol of unity and a key milestone in Bintulu’s growth and transformation.
“Tun Taib has done so much for the state — from establishing RECODA to developing Samalaju and bringing in investments to Bintulu.
“I am merely continuing the work of the late Tun Taib, who has contributed immensely. If he were still alive, I believe he would be amazed by the bridge we have built tonight.
“in honour of his service, we have decided that this bridge will be named after him, Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the opening ceremony of the bridge, here on Wednesday night (Jul 23).
The iconic bridge, spanning Kuala Kemena river, was constructed at a total cost of RM466.7 million and includes a four-lane dual carriageway.
Abang Johari said the completion of the bridge fulfilled a promise he made to the people of Bintulu in 2017, when he assumed leadership of Sarawak following the passing of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
He recalled how he had pledged to connect Bintulu and Jepak with an iconic bridge, initiate the second wave of Bintulu’s development, and relocate the Resident’s Office and administrative centre from Bintulu town to Jepak.
“Tonight, I have fulfilled those promises. I have built the iconic bridge. I have established a new administrative centre in Jepak. And we have started the second wave of Bintulu’s development,” he said.
He also said the bridge stands as a testament to the Sarawak government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration.
“Building a bridge isn’t cheap. But together with my Cabinet, and with the trust of the people, we managed to secure the necessary funding,” he said.
In a heartfelt moment, Abang Johari paid tribute to his late wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, who passed away before she could witness the completion of the bridge.
“There is only one person who didn’t get the chance to see this bridge, even though Bintulu was her birthplace — and that person is my late wife. But Allah loved her more, so tonight I brought my daughter, Dayang Norjihan to witness the opening of this iconic bridge,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude for Juma’ani’s unwavering support throughout his political career, acknowledging the personal sacrifices she made to allow him to serve the people.
