‘If we can build a four-kilometre bridge across Batang Lupar, this 400-metre bridge is nothing.’ – Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on the construction of a 400-metre bridge connecting the west bank of Sibu to the town centre.
The people of Daro, a district in Mukah Division, recently received an early Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri gift from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in the form of the Muara Lassa Bridge.
The RM597 million bridge, the second longest in Sarawak, is 2.43 km long and connects the coastal areas of Daro and Mukah. It is a key project of the Sarawak Coastal Road, connects mainland Daro with Pulau Bruit and replaces the ferry service that was the main transportation mode for the area.
Speaking at the official opening of the bridge, the premier announced that the reliance on water transportation in Sarawak would soon be a thing of the past as more bridges were completed across the state.
He said once all the bridges were completed, there would be no more further dependence on boats, outboard engines or any other forms of water transport.
I read his announcement with much interest because I was born in Sibu in Sibu Division. When I was young, I used to travel to many other towns like Bintangor, Sarikei and Kapit along the Rajang River either by the slow motor launches or faster express boats.
These motor launches and express boats had fixed travelling time and mostly operated in the day.
I salute the Sarawak government for pushing for the construction of bridges across the state.
Bridges have many advantages over water transport; they allow for safe and efficient travel over water, valleys and other obstacles.
They reduce travel time, improve transportation options and provide access to previously inaccessible areas.
Bridges also provide transportation connectivity to safely cross waterways and other obstacles.
In his speech at the official opening of the Muara Lassa Bridge, Abang Johari revealed that once the Batang Bridge, also in Daro, was completed in March, it would link Sibu and Sarikei.
The RM321 million 1.2 km-bridge is part of a larger road project that includes the Pasi-Sibu/Tanjung Manis Road. It is part of the state government’s efforts to streamline Sarawak’s coastal road network.
Abang Johari emphasised that the construction of these bridges marked the realisation of the state government’s agenda to develop a network of road connections through bridge infrastructure.
What’s interesting about the latest and current bridge projects in Sarawak is that the state government is funding them, including the Muara Lassa Bridge and Batang Rajang Bridge, independently.
“We are using our own funds, which is beneficial because it means we are not imposing toll charges on users. This allows the public to use the bridges for free,” explained Abang Johari.
“This is possible due to Sarawak’s strong financial position, enabling us to give back to the people.
“Alhamdulillah, during this Ramadan, the people will benefit from various initiatives, including better roads, bridges and the Sumbangan Kerperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS).”
Like Abang Johari, Daro assemblyman, Safiee Ahmad, also said the bridge would be a catalyst in developing Daro and Pulau Bruit.
Safiee added it would definitely have a positive impact on the local economy. With the bridge, the people of Daro were now ready for the development that was set to take place.
Hence, he proposed the construction of a bus terminal in Daro, citing the increasing number of people who might want to use public transport.
He also suggested the construction of a multi-storey car park to ease traffic congestion in future and a hotel to accommodate the influx of visitors.
By March 2027, Daro will also have a beautiful RM35 million 410 metre long waterfront with an information centre and observation tower.
It will also be equipped with a pergola, an outdoor gym pergola, an amphitheatre, lock-up stalls and various other amenities for the convenience of the local folk and visitors.
Abang Johari performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project recently.
Sarawak has developed by leaps and bounds, particularly over the past eight years, thanks to our visionary premier who has been praised as a man of integrity, courageous, decisive and resourceful in securing funds for the state.
As pointed out by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the people of Sarawak are incredibly fortunate to have Abang Johari as their Premier and leader.
Uggah disclosed that Sarawak had achieved a great deal since Abang Johari took over the leadership of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Speaking at the launching ceremony of the Muara Lassa Bridge recently, the Deputy Premier revealed that since 2017, Abang Johari had planned and implemented various developments including roads, bridges, water and electricity. The total cost of these projects, he said, amounted to RM30 billion.
Uggah added that among the proposed projects were the coastal road, at an estimated cost of RM5.5 billion, and the Second Trunk Road at a total cost of RM5.42 billion.
According to the Deputy Premier, Sarawak is also the first state in Malaysia to construct 16 bridges simultaneously at a total cost of RM5.9 billion.
These included three bridges that were cancelled by the federal government in 2018 — Batang Lupar 1 Bridge; Igan Bridge and Rambungan Bridge.
The completed bridges so far include Marudi Bridge and Muara Lassa Bridge.
Scheduled for completion this year are Sejingkat Bridge, Batang Lupar 1 Bridge, Saribas 1 Bridge, Rajang Bridge, the iconic cable-stayed Bintulu-Jepak Bridge, Kemena-Sebauh Bridge, Sungai Limbang Bridge, Sungai Lingga Bridge and Sungai Kemena- Sebauh Bridge in Bintulu.
Uggah said next year, five more bridges would be completed. They are Batang Lupar 2 Bridge, Saribas 2 Bridge, Krian Bridge, Paloh Bridge and Igan Bridge.
All these bridges augur well for the economic development and prosperity of Sarawak. Thank you, Abang Johari, from the bottom of our hearts.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
