SEBUYAU (Sarawak): The new Batang Lupar I bridge is not merely an iconic structure but a vital link for the local community, improving connectivity and boosting the economy.
Spanning 4.8km across Batang Lupar, the bridge is the longest over a river in Malaysia.
It connects Kuching to Sri Aman and beyond by linking Sebuyau to Triso along Sarawak’s coastal road network.
Jamal Jali, from Kampung Tungkah Melayu in Sebuyau, said it was now much quicker to travel across the river since the bridge opened to traffic on May 21.
“Before this, we had to wait for the ferry to cross the river, which took a long time whenever there was a long queue of cars,” he said.
“Our travel also depended on the ferry’s schedule which was sometimes affected by the tide.
“When I was travelling back from Sibu once, I had to wait three hours before the ferry could take off because of a king tide.
“Now we can travel any time and it takes under 10 minutes to drive across the bridge,” he added.
Jamal also said more people were visiting Sebuyau since the bridge was completed.
“I’ve seen buses bringing visitors to the bridge. They will stop in Sebuyau on the way, so our businesses have improved.”
Fatimah Mat, from Kampung Lot in Sebuyau, said it was now more convenient to travel across the river.
“Previously I only travelled when I needed to because of the long wait for the ferry.
“Now I can go every day if I want to. The journey is quick and easy, no more headaches,” she said.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, who officially opened the bridge yesterday, said it was an important milestone in the state’s infrastructure development.
He said the bridge provided better connectivity for rural areas, enabling economic development and opening up market access to local farmers and entrepreneurs which in turn would increase their household income.
“The bridge reflects Sarawak’s aspirations for development.
“This is what we can achieve if we remain united,” he added.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak planned to build 21 bridges as part of its road infrastructure development.
Eleven bridges have been completed, including Batang Lupar I, with six more scheduled for completion this year and the rest in the planning stages.
