Premier: Marudi bridge to complete by 2024, earlier than scheduled

From left: Ting, Lee, Abdul Karim, Abang Johari, Sim Then Quay, Roger Sim and Vivier photographed during the grand opening of Mercure Miri City Centre on Dec 16, 2023. Photo credit: UKAS

By Shikin Louis

MIRI, Dec 16: The Marudi bridge project, which spans Batang Baram, is expected to be completed by 2024, says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The new completion date is earlier than the one Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas announced during his visit to the site in May this year—October 2025.

“For Mulu, the government is planning and God-willing that by 2030, we will complete the road from Miri to Marudi, with the new (Marudi) bridge expected to be completed by 2024,” he said during the grand opening ceremony of Mercure Miri City Hotel broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) via YouTube today.

The Marudi bridge, a 650-metre-long two-lane single-carriageway bridge costing RM116.5 million, is currently being undertaken by contractor Pekerjaan Piasau Konkerit Sdn Bhd.

Abang Johari also said the government is currently building a road from Marudi right up to Long Terawan with a cost of more than RM1 billion, and Mulu will be accessible by road up until Long Terawan, adding that the government cannot build the road in Mulu because it is a nature-based Unesco site.

Mercure Miri City Centre photographed on Dec 16, 2023. Photo credit: UKAS

Upon completing these roads, he said hotel industry players should consider setting up their premises in those areas where tourists would flock in later.

“Through the Mercure chain, you can promote Miri, and at the same time, this hotel (Mercure Miri City Hotel) will become another place for the people to stay as well as see Miri and the suburbs of Miri, including Niah and Mulu,” he added.

The concept and design of the Mercure Miri City Hotel is inspired by Sarawak culture, as seen in the paintings of Gua Niah and Ruai Rumah Panjang carved on the walls of their hotel.

In addition to accommodation, this hotel offers various packages, including wedding and meeting packages, that can accommodate up to 200 visitors.

Amongst those present were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting; Accor Malaysia & Indonesia senior vice president of operations Michel Vivier; and Evolveland Bhd directors Roger Sim and Sim Then Quay. — DayakDaily