Batang Saribas 1 Bridge Fifth To Be Completed Under Sarawak Coastal Road Network
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who represented Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to perform the soft opening ceremony of the RM375.5 million bridge today, said it is now open for public use, ending decades-long reliance on ferry crossings at the Saribas River.
'This bridge, along with others being built across Sarawak's coastline, is part of our strategy to enhance road connectivity, particularly for rural communities,' said Uggah, who is also Sarawak Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), at the ceremony.
Prior to the opening of the 1.55-kilometre bridge, four other bridge projects that have been completed are the Batang Rajang, Muara Lassa, Marudi and Jepak, as the Sarawak government draws closer to realising its plan of building a total of 16 bridges under the Coastal Road Network.
Uggah said six more bridges are expected to be completed within this year, namely the Sungai Lingga, Batang Igan, Batang Lupar 1, Sungai Limbang, Sebauh and Sejingkat bridges.
He said by next year, the State government aims to complete the Batang Paloh, Krian, Batang Lupar 2 and Batang Saribas 2 bridges,
'It is very exciting to watch all these structures taking shape. They are shrinking Sarawak by significantly reducing travel times,' he said, adding that the opening of the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge alone eliminates the need for a 30-minute ferry wait to streamline connectivity for areas in the Betong Division.
He said that his ministry in collaboration with the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) will ensure contractors adhere to project timelines and quality standards in delivering the bridges, which would bring transformative impact to the social and economic wellbeing for rural communities.
'We are committed to our promises to rural communities. Delivery is proof that we are serious about development,' he added.
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