Minister: Inaccurate to say SSLR replaced S’wak bridge projects; they are complementary, not competing

Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 14: Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi has clarified that the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road Phase 1 (SSLR1) project does not serve as a ‘replacement’ for the Batang Lupar, Batang Igan, and Batang Rambungan bridge projects as they do not serve the same development objectives.

In a statement, he explained that the SSLR1 focuses on developing a strategic road corridor linking Sarawak and Sabah while improving access to inland areas in northern Sarawak, while the three bridges are infrastructure projects that directly benefit coastal communities by reducing travel time, enhancing road safety, and stimulating local economic activities.

“Therefore, these two initiatives are in fact complementary and should not be viewed as competing projects or as substitutes for one another.

“For that reason, it is entirely inaccurate to describe SSLR1 as a ‘replacement’ for the bridge projects, as both initiatives target different localities and address different development needs. They should be understood within their proper context,” he said.

Nanta, who is also Kapit MP, was responding to concerns raised regarding his ministry’s written parliamentary reply on the Batang Lupar Bridge, Batang Igan Bridge, and Batang Rambungan Bridge projects.

He emphasised that the ministry’s written reply was based on the official administrative records of the federal government concerning the status of these projects at the relevant time.

Nanta elaborated that the three bridge projects were approved under the Rolling Plan of the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP) before their implementation was postponed and subsequently cancelled following policy changes and a reassessment of the projects by the Federal Government at that time.

During the same period, he said, the SSLR1 project was introduced as one of the federal government’s initiatives to improve land connectivity between Sarawak and Sabah without passing through Brunei, while also unlocking the development potential of inland areas.

He also took note of the view expressed by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg that the development needs of the coastal areas and development of strategic inland road networks are equally important in ensuring balanced and inclusive development across Sarawak—a view which aligns with the federal government’s aspirations.

“At the same time, the Highway Network Development Plan (HNDP), which has been endorsed by the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN), forms part of a broader and more inclusive development agenda for Sarawak.

“It focuses on strengthening strategic transport connectivity, opening access to inland areas, and stimulating regional economic growth. Accordingly, the development of the three bridges complements this agenda,” he said.

He added that his ministry appreciates the efforts of the Sarawak government in taking the initiative to proceed with the construction of these bridges using state funding to ensure that the needs of the people continue to be met and reaffirmed his commitment as the works minister to work with the State government in identifying the State’s infrastructure development priorities. — DayakDaily