KUCHING – The Batang Rambungan Bridge, a key component of Sarawak’s Coastal Road network, has reached 73.27 percent completion, with authorities confident the project will be finished by the end of this year.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, confirmed that the bridge’s progress is slightly behind schedule, falling short of the 74.3 percent target by about one percent.
Despite this, he expressed optimism that the contractor’s commitment would accelerate the pace of construction.
“So far, the project progress is 73.27 percent compared to the target of 74.3 percent. This means that the project is slightly behind schedule, about one percent behind schedule. However, I believe that with the contractor’s commitment, the project progress can be accelerated,” he said during a site visit on 7 July.
The Batang Rambungan Bridge features a cable-stayed design, making it distinct from other bridges in Sarawak.
The first segment of the cable-stay system has already been installed, with eight more segments currently under construction.
Datuk Aidel stressed that every stage of the project must adhere to strict technical specifications and safety standards due to the complexity of the design.
He explained that the bridge is one of four major structures under the Coastal Road initiative expected to be completed this year.
Alongside Batang Rambungan, the Batang Sejingkat Bridge is projected to finish by October, the Batang Paloh Bridge by November, and the Saribas II Bridge by year-end.
The RM82 million Batang Rambungan Bridge is part of the 896-kilometre Coastal Road, which will connect Sampadi in Lundu to Bakam in Miri.
The project is seen as vital for improving connectivity across Sarawak’s coastal regions, reducing travel time, and supporting economic growth.
Earlier reports in January recorded the bridge’s progress at 64.95 percent, with completion initially expected before December 2026, ahead of its contractual deadline of May 2027.
The latest update suggests that the project is moving faster than anticipated, with completion now targeted by the end of 2026.
Datuk Aidel also highlighted the importance of the bridge for local communities, noting that it will provide safer and more efficient travel while boosting regional development.
He added that the government is closely monitoring construction, particularly the installation of the cable-stay system using advanced engineering techniques such as form travellers and steel bar tensioning.
The Batang Rambungan Bridge is eagerly awaited by residents and stakeholders, as it promises to enhance accessibility and support Sarawak’s long-term infrastructure goals.
Once completed, it will stand as one of the state’s most significant engineering achievements, symbolising progress in modern transport development.
