KUCHING: Several bridges, including at Sungai Lingga, Batang Igan, Batang Lupar I, Sungai Limbang, Sebauh and Sejingkat, are expected to be completed this year, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari said that the construction of these bridges, among 12 planned bridges, demonstrates the GPS Government’s commitment to upgrading road transport infrastructure in Sarawak to facilitate the movement of people, agricultural produce, and industrial products.
Earlier, he highlighted the significant increase in Sarawak’s revenue over the past eight years, which has enabled the government to accelerate infrastructure development across the state.
“The GPS Government, led by me and with strong support from colleagues in the Sarawak Cabinet, has worked hard over the past eight years to increase the state’s revenue.
“Alhamdulillah, Sarawak’s income in 2024 has risen to RM15 billion from around RM6 billion eight years ago.
“With this increased revenue, the Sarawak Government can implement development programmes with greater confidence and impact, particularly in providing infrastructure facilities such as roads, bridges, coastal highways, the Second Main Road to shorten the distance between Kuching and Sibu, and rural access roads,” he said in his statement today.
He added that on May 17, he officiated the Batang Rajang bridge near Sarikei to facilitate land travel from Sarikei to Tanjung Manis.
“This is the fourth bridge completed this year as part of a major plan to upgrade infrastructure facilities in Sarawak to stimulate economic growth,” he added.
Following this, on May 25, the fifth bridge crossing the Batang Saribas, the Saribas No. 1 Bridge, measuring 1.55 kilometres and costing RM376 million, was also opened for public use.
“The bridges completed previously are Marudi, Jepak, Muara Lassa and Batang Rajang near Sarikei.
“Other bridges expected to be completed this year include Sungai Lingga, Batang Igan, Batang Lupar I, Sungai Limbang, Sebauh and Sejingkat,” he said.
