SIBU: SUPP Bawang Assan will work closely with relevant parties and the local community to ensure that the proposed Sibu-West Bank bridge project which will be similar to London Bridge comes to fruition.
Its chairman, Kelvin Lau, said today (July 27) that the continuity of a stable Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration was crucial to ensuring that all planned development projects could proceed without interruption.
“The choice made by the people in the upcoming state election will determine the continuity of Sibu’s development agenda.
“We hope the people will continue to give their mandate to the Sarawak Government so that projects planned for the public’s benefit can be implemented according to schedule,” he said, referring to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s announcement on the proposed bridge project.
During the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Central Region Special Convention on Sunday, Abang Johari announced that the bridge’s design had been completed and that construction was expected to take three years.
However, he said the project’s implementation would depend on the mandate given to the Sarawak Government, particularly by voters in Bawang Assan, at the upcoming state election.
“Our term is coming to an end soon. We have to make a wise choice on who will govern Sarawak next. If the government continues, the bridge will continue and it will take three years to complete. If the wrong choice is made, ‘pas pas ajak lah’ (we can forget about it). The decision is up to us – Central Zone,” said the Premier.
Lau welcomed the Premier’s announcement on the progress of the proposed bridge.
He said the confirmation that the bridge’s design had been completed was highly encouraging and reflected the Sarawak Government’s commitment to realising strategic infrastructure projects that would benefit the people.
“I wish to express my deepest appreciation to the Sarawak Premier for announcing the latest updates on this project. It not only offers new hope to the residents of Sibu but will also serve as a catalyst for the development of the Sibu West Bank area,” he said.
According to Lau, he first proposed the construction of the bridge during the 2025 SUPP Sibu Chinese New Year celebration, which was attended by Abang Johari as the guest of honour.
He said that following the proposal, the Premier directed the formation of a task force, co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee and Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, to examine the project’s implementation.
“Yesterday (Sunday), the Premier announced that the bridge’s design is complete and looks truly impressive. This demonstrates that the project has undergone meticulous planning and has a clear direction for implementation,” he said.
Lau, who is also the SUPP Youth Chief, said the bridge was expected to become a new landmark for Sibu while enhancing connectivity between Sibu town and the Sibu West Bank.
He added that the project was also expected to accelerate development in the West Bank area, stimulate economic activity, and create more investment and employment opportunities for local residents.
