RM375.5 mln Batang Saribas 1 Bridge officially opens, enhancing connectivity along coastal road network
KUCHING (July 19): Sarawak marked a key milestone in rural development today with the official opening of the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge – a RM375.5 million infrastructure project set to transform connectivity along the state's coastal road network.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the 1.55-kilometre bridge not only connects key coastal areas such as Pusa and Beladin, but also provides direct access to nearby longhouses and villages — opening new opportunities for modern agriculture and economic development.
'This bridge is a crucial connector for the entire coastal road project and directly benefits rural communities by opening up access and creating opportunities for modern agriculture,' he said at the launch, which also marked the inauguration of the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA).
Abang Johari said the bridge eliminates the need for ferry services, significantly improving transport efficiency.
'Sarawak must adopt modern approaches in connecting urban and rural areas. Traditional methods like boats and ferries are no longer viable.
'In the past, for example, residents in Sebuyau had to wait for high tide just to reach Kuching. During the monsoon season, movement was completely cut off. These were real barriers to connectivity,' he said.
He reaffirmed the Sarawak government's commitment under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to resolve rural development challenges through strategic investments in infrastructure.
'Our goal is to complete a comprehensive infrastructure network by 2030, not only to improve access and public amenities but also to support education and the advancement of modern agriculture in rural areas,' he said.
On the naming of the bridge, the Premier said a formal name would be proposed later, based on the area's historical significance and with input from local leaders and historians.
'We don't want to retain the name 'Saribas 1 Bridge'. I leave it to the local leaders and historians to propose a name that reflects the area's heritage,' he said.
He also revealed that more projects are in the pipeline, with the Lingga Bridge set to be launched soon, while the massive Batang Lupar Bridge is expected to be completed by late 2026 or early 2027.
'We're not just building roads – we want to equip our children with the knowledge and skills to benefit from this development,' he said, stressing the link between physical connectivity and Sarawak's education aspirations.
Earlier, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas praised the Premier's vision of a continuous land route from Kuching to Miri – one that eliminates the need for ferry crossings – as becoming a reality thanks to substantial state investment.
He said a total of RM5.9 billion has been allocated for the construction of 16 major bridges across Sarawak to ease congestion and ensure seamless travel.
'To date, five bridges have been completed – Marudi, Muara Lassa, Batang Rajang, Batang Saribas, and Jepak – while the remaining 11 are at various stages of construction.
'Our ministry is working hard to ensure these projects are completed on schedule. By June 2026, we hope drivers will no longer need to queue for hours to board ferries,' Uggah said.
The Batang Saribas 1 Bridge is part of the Sarawak Coastal Road Network initiative and is expected to benefit over 20,000 residents in the surrounding areas – a strategic investment toward bridging the rural-urban divide. Abang Johari Batang Saribas 1 Bridge Betong coastal road network
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