Batang Lupar Bridge 1: From ferry to engineering marvel reflecting Sarawak’s ambition, cutting travel time to 5 minutes

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By Karen Bong

SEBUYAU, May 21: Today marked a proud milestone for Sarawak as the State government delivered yet another promise with the opening of the iconic Batang Lupar Bridge 1 to traffic, a landmark achievement that not only showcases an engineering marvel but also symbolises Sarawak’s ambition, progress and commitment to transforming connectivity for its people.

The bridge reduces travel time between Sebuyau and Triso from a ferry crossing of about 30 minutes to just 5 minutes, significantly improving daily mobility for local communities.

The soft opening ceremony of the bridge was officiated by Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, marking another significant step forward in Sarawak’s infrastructure development agenda.

In a statement issued by Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak, the project is one of Sarawak’s most iconic infrastructure undertakings and is set to become the longest river-crossing bridge in Malaysia.

Constructed at a contract sum of RM848.7 million, the 4.844-kilometre two-lane single carriageway bridge is built to JKR R5 Standard and features a striking 598.8-metre cable-stayed main span with navigational clearance measuring 250 metres in width and 26 metres in height.

Strategically located beside Triso Island, the bridge creates a visually captivating landmark while linking Sebuyau in Samarahan Division with Triso-Maludam-Pusa in Betong Division.

The bridge now provides a safer, faster and uninterrupted transportation route between Sebuyau and Triso, replacing the long-serving Sebuyau-Triso ferry service that had for decades been the lifeline connecting communities across the waters of Batang Lupar.

Today’s ceremony also marked the final chapter of the Triso Ferry service, closing an era in which it served as the primary connection for local residents travelling between the two riverbanks.

In his remarks, Uggah said the bridge reflects Sarawak’s continuous commitment towards strengthening connectivity, stimulating socio-economic growth and improving accessibility, especially for communities in the coastal regions.

He said the completion of the project is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve logistics and transportation efficiency, and unlock greater opportunities for economic, agricultural and tourism growth between Sebuyau, Triso and surrounding areas.

“The people of Sarawak should be thankful to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government for completing this bridge, which is fully financed by the State.

“In the past, when the Premier announced mega projects, it was often ridiculed as “air liur” (talk only). But today, “titik air liurnya melihat” we have succeeded in building these bridges. This is the spirit of GPS — we promise, we build, we deliver, and we ensure that infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity becomes a reality. This will transform and close the development gap in Sarawak,” he said in a pre-recorded interview after the soft opening ceremony near Sebuyau.

The soft opening ceremony also underscored the Sarawak government’s ongoing commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, driving development and improving the quality of life for the people.

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Development Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, and JKR Sarawak director Datu Ir Cassidy Morris were among the State leaders present at the event. — DayakDaily

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