Sarawak Deputy Premier urges public to keep Batang Lupar I Bridge clean, safe

Public cooperation is needed to ensure cleanliness and safety along the Batang Lupar I Bridge. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

KUCHING: The Sarawak Deputy Premier called for public cooperation to refrain from littering and to drive prudently along the newly-opened Batang Lupar I Bridge

"The bridge belongs to Sarawakians. We should take good care of it so that it will continue to be our pride in the future," Datuk Douglas Uggah told reporters after chairing a meeting on the state-level Gawai celebration here on Monday (June 15).

Uggah said the state Public Works Department was taking measures to prevent littering and ensure cleanliness on the bridge.

He said the department was also looking into other bridge-related issues that needed addressing.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah speaking to reporters in Kuching on Monday (June 15). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

"I expect them to give me the report within two weeks," he added.

Uggah also said the Batang Lupar I Bridge was attracting growing interest from visitors since opening to traffic on May 21.

Spanning 4.8km across the Batang Lupar, it is Malaysia's longest river-crossing bridge.

"During Gawai, visitors from Singapore told me that they were going to the Batang Lupar I Bridge.

"It's going to be a great tourist attraction, so we don't want to project an image that can tarnish Sarawak," he said.