Datuk Juhari Janan urged the Sabah government to reconsider the scrapped Sukau second bridge project.
KOTA KINABALU: There is renewed support for constructing a second bridge in Sukau, with calls for the state government to revive the scrapped project despite past environmental opposition.
Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Sukau division chief Datuk Juhari Janan urged the government to reconsider building the bridge as thousands of residents need better connectivity to enhance their daily lives and economic opportunities.
Speaking to the media in Sukau on Saturday (March 15), Juhari said the bridge would not harm wildlife or the environment, addressing concerns raised by conservation groups that led to its cancellation in 2017.
"The question is, do we prioritise the people or the objections of a small group?" he said.
"Thousands of residents need this bridge, and we assure that it will not destroy trees or wildlife habitat," he added.
Currently, the Morisem Ferry is the primary means for vehicles and pedestrians to cross the Kinabatangan River at Sukau. This ferry service connects communities on both sides of the river, facilitating daily transportation needs.
However, Juhari highlighted that the ferry is no longer sufficient for the growing population and economic activities, making a bridge necessary for more reliable and safer access, especially during high water levels or bad weather.
Juhari added that Sukau, now a sub-district, has seen development progress, including the establishment of a district office and funding for a new community hall. He also mentioned plans to attract investors, with 182 acres allocated for commercial projects like hotels and supermarkets.
The proposed bridge would be near Morisem Estate, serving as a key link for residents and businesses. Juhari said it would provide a direct route for locals, reducing travel time and boosting economic activity in the sub-district.
"This bridge will make a difference for people living on both sides of the river," he said. "It is not just about transportation but about ensuring Sukau can continue to grow and develop."
Sukau, along the Kinabatangan River, is known for its rich biodiversity and eco-tourism, attracting visitors to see its unique wildlife, including orangutans and pygmy elephants.
The Sukau bridge project was scrapped in April 2017 after strong opposition from conservationists, who warned it would fragment critical wildlife habitat in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, home to endangered species like Bornean pygmy elephants and orangutans.
The project was cancelled during the Barisan Nasional-led government following environmental concerns. Even renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough opposed the project, citing potential damage to the area's fragile ecosystem.
Despite the cancellation, discussions about the bridge resurfaced in subsequent years. In February 2025, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department, Datuk Nizam Datuk Abu Bakar Titingan, emphasised the state government’s commitment to infrastructure development, including the Sukau Second Bridge.
He acknowledged past environmental concerns but stressed the government’s focus on balancing development with ecological preservation.
Juhari dismissed concerns from conservation groups, saying the bridge would not disrupt eco-tourism in Sukau and conservation efforts would remain intact.
He said the proposal should be included in the state budget, expressing confidence that the government would eventually approve it.
Juhari also raised the issue in his speech to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on Saturday, reiterating the community's urgent need for the bridge. However, Hajiji did not comment on the matter.
The state government has yet to make a decision on the renewed request.
