4 days ago
Abg Jo is Sarawak's ‘Father of Infrastructure Transformation', says Uggah
(From front sixth left) Uggah and Abang Johari are seen at the official opening of Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge with other dignitaries. — Ukas photo
BINTULU (July 24): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been called the architect of Sarawak's infrastructure transformation.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Abang Johari's visionary leadership and financial acumen have enabled major developments across the state.
'I believe the Premier rightfully deserves the title as the 'Father of Infrastructure Transformation' in Sarawak,' Uggah said during the official opening of Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge here last night.
Uggah described Abang Johari as a leader with the people at heart, who is determined to ensure that roads and bridges across Sarawak are built swiftly to spur socioeconomic growth.
'He is incredibly resourceful. Without him, I don't know where we would have gotten the funds.
'Last year alone, Sarawak recorded RM14.2 billion in income, compared to just RM6.8 billion in 2017,' he said, noting that more progress can be expected due to the Premier's strategic planning.
He pointed out the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) has been entrusted to implement infrastructure projects worth RM42.6 billion, all financed by the state's own funds.
He noted that under the state's ongoing bridge-building programme, five bridges are completed and six more expected to be finished by 2026, including the iconic Batang Lupar 1 Bridge, which at 4.8km will be the longest in Sarawak.
'We're aiming for its completion by March 2026, but we will try our best to get it done by December 2025,' he said.
On the Marina Bridge in Miri, he said it may also be completed earlier than expected, with the contractor indicating they could finish the four-year project in just three.
'By June 2026, you'll be able to drive from Kuching to Miri without relying on a ferry, a direct result of the Premier's bridge development agenda,' Uggah said.
He emphasised that no other state in Malaysia is undertaking a bridge construction effort as extensive as Sarawak's with 17 major bridges currently planned or underway.
'Just now, (Minister Of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi mentioned additional bridges in Bintulu, and I heard that the Premier has approved more in Sibu and Sebuyau, which could bring the total to 20 bridges,' he said.
Focusing on Bintulu, Uggah said RM1.1 billion worth of infrastructure projects are being rolled out, including the RM117.9 million new administrative centre and an RM80 million dual carriageway road from Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge to Bintulu Airport worth.
'All of these projects are fully financed by the Sarawak government. The opposition used to dismiss them as mere talk, but now they're seeing real, physical results, not just rhetoric, but proof on the ground.
'GPS doesn't just make promises, we fulfil them. That's the commitment of the GPS government under Premier Abang Johari,' he added.
