Once cancelled, Batang Lupar bridges now put Sarawak on the map

By Karen Bong

SRI AMAN, Oct 31: Once cancelled, the Batang Lupar bridge projects have become symbols of Sarawak’s determination to chart its own development path, with the two bridges now drawing attention for their record-breaking features.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Batang Lupar Bridge 1 is the longest bridge in Malaysia spanning a river, while the newly completed Batang Lupar Bridge 2 boasts the tallest bridge piers in the country.

He said the achievements were particularly meaningful because the bridge projects had previously been cancelled during the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration when Sarawak was the Opposition at federal level.

“Those cancellations were taken by the people of Sarawak as a challenge. Today, look at what Sarawakians have built,” he said when officiating the Sarawakku Sayang programme for Sri Aman Division at the Sri Aman Sports Complex today, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.

Abang Johari said Batang Lupar Bridge 1 stretches nearly 5km, with its total length excluding approach roads reaching about 7km.

He stressed that the bridge was financed entirely using Sarawak’s own funds, reflecting the State’s ability to undertake major infrastructure projects through its own resources.

He added that the second Batang Lupar Bridge, which was being officially opened today, further strengthened Sri Aman’s connectivity and development prospects.

The Premier also highlighted the bridges’ growing appeal as tourist attractions, saying visitors from Singapore had travelled to Sebuyau specifically to see the infrastructure before returning home.

He said the bridges had become more than just transportation links, serving as visible examples of the transformation taking place in Sarawak.

“This is the kind of transformation we are bringing about,” he said.

Among the distinguished guests present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; and Deputy Minister of International Trade and Investment, who is also the minister in charge of Sarawakku Sayang for Sri Aman Division, Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh. — DayakDaily

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