KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has approved a new project to build a second bridge in Batu Kawa under the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review (2023).
Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said this development plan, approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the Batu Kawa area.
He added that the best way to address issues arising from rapid housing development, population growth, and increased traffic is by constructing more alternative roads to improve traffic flow.
This development project will cost RM160 million and includes the construction of a second Batu Kawa Bridge across Sungai Sarawak, along with a road extending over 5 kilometers.
“The new dual carriageway will start from the existing Jalan Batu Kawa/Matang traffic light connection at Moyan, cross the Sungai Sarawak, and join the traffic light junction at Tan Sri Wee Boon Ping Road and Stephen Yong Road,” said Dr Sim in a statement.
According to the Sarawak Public Works Department’s plan, the project will be implemented in four stages: consultant appointment, geological survey, land acquisition, and public bidding/tender.
Additionally, a 3-kilometer link road from Stephen Yong traffic lights through Segudup to Matang will also be constructed. These new roads will ease congestion and reduce driving time for many residents in and around Batu Kawa.
Earlier, Dr Sim was briefed on the project by Sarawak Public Works Department director, Ir Dr. Cassidy.
He hopes Sarawak’s Members of Parliament will advocate for more development projects, noting that the Federal Government collects all road taxes and should therefore invest in building more roads to alleviate traffic congestion in Sarawak.
