Sarawak confident 8 major bridge will be completed in 2026 despite global challenges

Uggah speaking to reporters after officiating the Sarawak Infrastructure Engagement Programme 2026 at a hotel here on March 31, 2026.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, March 31: Sarawak is on track to complete eight major bridge projects this year despite global uncertainties, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, marking a significant milestone in the State’s infrastructure drive.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas expressed confidence that all eight bridges will be delivered on schedule.

“These are among the most high-profile projects. Last year we completed nine bridges, and this year we are committed to completing another eight,” he said after officiating the Sarawak Infrastructure Engagement Programme 2026 at a hotel here today.

Uggah stressed that external risks, particularly geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, are being closely monitored but are not expected to derail progress.

“There may be minor challenges, but nothing that will disrupt the completion timeline. We remain confident the projects will proceed as planned,” he said.

Among the key projects is the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge, which is set to become Malaysia’s longest river-crossing bridge. Uggah said construction is progressing well, with an anticipated opening in mid-May 2026, in time for the Gawai Dayak celebrations.

He added that the Ministry is keeping a close watch on supply chains and rising material costs to ensure projects remain on track.

“For example, the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) Phase 2 project, which I recently visited the site to engage with contractors on procurement and planning. This is to ensure their strategies account for current challenges.

“We are continuously assessing the situation, and both the federal and State governments are studying the best ways to respond,” he said.

Uggah noted that the Sarawak government is funding 20 bridge projects worth an estimated RM8 billion, underscoring its commitment to strengthening connectivity across the State.
These bridges are critical in linking communities, reducing travel time, and driving economic growth, particularly in rural areas.

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo and Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Datu Ir Cassidy Morris were also present. — DayakDaily