KUCHING: The Datuk Amar Juma’ani Bridge is set to act as a catalyst for modern urban development in the heart of Satok, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the presence of the uniquely designed bridge, standing prominently in the middle of a traditional village setting, signals that the local community is ready to play a bigger role in smart city development.
He said the bridge is part of a wider master plan connecting the Bintangor–Masjid–Haji Taha (MBHT) zone, which includes plans for residents to develop their land responsibly, without compromising community interests.
“This bridge, right in the middle of a village, marks a bold step forward. When viewed from above, you see not only Kuching city and Darul Hana Bridge, but suddenly this unique structure at Sungai Bintangor.
“It reflects the fact that our people are ready to participate in smart city development.
“With its distinct cable-stayed, tripod-shaped design, this engineering piece stands apart, symbolising the local Malay community’s willingness to embrace positive change,” he said when officiating at the launching ceremony of the bridge here last night (Aug 5).
Abang Johari said the MBHT area will be further transformed through a strategic urban layout that includes the development of Padang Pasir (in front of the Kuching City Mosque), which will house the main station for the city’s future Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.
He said the site was chosen for its strategic location and open space potential, aligning with efforts to build the area as a modern mobility hub.
He explained that the ongoing development of ART in the area would integrate the surrounding villages into the city’s future growth as part of Sarawak’s smart city agenda.
“If Kuala Lumpur has KL Sentral, we will have Kuching Central. It’s currently under development. The impact of this development is significant.
“Now, we stand united in developing a modern village, one that moves in step with engineering progress and the spirit of modernisation. That’s what we aim to achieve,” he said.
He added that while the state is committed to pushing forward with modernisation, the interests and wellbeing of the local community will remain a priority. The RM50.66 million project involved the demolition of the previous bridge and the construction of a new four-lane dual carriageway bridge over Sungai Bintangor, along with the widening of Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol from Kuching City Mosque to Jalan Hj Mataim junction.
Scope of works also included a 38-metre-long pedestrian bridge, piled embankments on both ends of the bridge, and a total road length of approximately 658.83 metres, which includes a 172.3-metre bridge section.
The main cable-stayed deck measures 57 metres, while the overall bridge length from abutment to abutment spans 114.34 metres.
Additional works covered the construction of a pedestrian walkway, slip roads on both sides for kampung residents, decorative street lighting, road furniture, and a pylon and parapet lighting system with landscaping.
The bridge is expected to serve as a new landmark and tourist attraction, enhancing the city’s identity while improving connectivity and daily commuting for surrounding communities.
It also aims to boost local economic activity and elevate the cityscape with its unique architectural design.
