SEBUYAU (Sarawak): The Batang Lupar I Bridge is an important milestone in Sarawak's infrastructure development, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said the bridge connected Kuching to Sri Aman and Betong along the coastal road network, shortening travel times and boosting economic development.
"Batang Lupar is usually associated with crocodiles and ikan terubok.
"But today is a historic occasion as we now have improved connectivity, replacing the former ferry service," he told reporters after officially opening the bridge here on Thursday (July 9).
Abang Johari said the local community originally requested the bridge project, and the then-Barisan Nasional federal government approved it.
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However, he said the subsequent Pakatan Harapan government cancelled the project, along with two other proposed bridges, as the funds were purportedly needed for the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) project.
"The cancellation of the bridge projects was challenging for us, but we decided to proceed with them using state funds.
"This is our narrative, based on the facts of what happened," he said, refuting Opposition claims that the bridge projects were not cancelled but the funds reallocated to other major projects.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak planned to build 21 bridges in total as part of its road infrastructure development.
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Eleven bridges have been completed, including Batang Lupar I, with six more scheduled for completion this year. The rest are in the planning stages.
The 4.8km Batang Lupar I Bridge is the longest river-crossing bridge in Malaysia, linking Sebuyau to Triso.
Construction of the RM848.7mil bridge started in January 2021. It was opened to traffic on May 21 this year, ahead of the official launch ceremony.
Abang Johari said the bridge would improve the connectivity of rural areas and open up the surrounding areas for economic activities, including agriculture and fisheries.
He said it would also open up market access to local farmers and entrepreneurs, leading to an increase in household income.
"The bridge reflects Sarawak's aspirations for development.
"This is what we can achieve if we remain united," he added.
