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The progress of Batang Lupar Bridge 1 on March 13, 2026. Advertisement
By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 20: “Sikda gago nak bertunggu feri lagik” as Sarawak is set to witness a major milestone tomorrow (May 21) with the official opening of the Batang Lupar Bridge 1 in Sebuyau, a 4.8-kilometre structure recognised as the longest river-crossing bridge in Malaysia, which will finally end reliance on the Triso ferry service and transform travel in the region.
The landmark announcement was highlighted in a ministerial winding-up speech by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Sitting today, where he underscored the State’s rapid infrastructure transformation under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
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“With this bridge, people can easily return to their villages in conjunction with the Hari Raya Haji and Gawai celebrations. There will be no more need to wait for ferries.
“This bridge will end the Triso ferry service and open a new chapter of faster and smoother connectivity,” he said.
Abang Johari said the completion of the bridge reflects Sarawak’s commitment to improving mobility, connectivity and economic access, particularly for rural communities who previously depended on long and time-consuming ferry crossings.
“I still remember that in the past, the journey to Simanggang town could take around six to seven hours. However, the situation has now changed significantly. The journey has become much easier and faster to the extent that we can enjoy breakfast there and return to Kuching in time for lunch
“This is the transformation we have pursued with full commitment — connecting the entire Sarawak region, stimulating economic activity, and improving access and mobility,” he emphasised.
Under 12MP, the Sarawak government has undertaken one of its most ambitious infrastructure programmes, involving the construction of 21 major bridges alongside key road projects such as the Coastal Road Network Connectivity Programme and the Second Trunk Road.
Of the 21 bridges, Abang Johari updated that 10 have already been completed and opened to the public, replacing six ferry services that were previously essential for daily commuting.
“Another eight bridges are expected to be completed by the end of this year,” he said.
He added that under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Sarawak is targeting 100 per cent road network connectivity across the state to ensure that every community, regardless of location, is linked to economic opportunities, services, and development.
“Every completed road, every opened bridge, and every connectivity network established is proof of the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government’s commitment to ensuring that the people’s well-being and prosperity continue to be safeguarded,” he said.
The Premier also emphasised that Sarawak’s infrastructure achievements demonstrate how political stability, disciplined implementation, and prudent financial management can be translated into tangible outcomes for the state’s long-term development. — DayakDaily
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