SIBU: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg continued his effort to stay close to the people by leading a motorcycle convoy from Batang Lupar 1 Bridge to Sibu on Thursday.
The 214-kilometre journey was held in conjunction with the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) 2026 Central Zone Programme. The convoy gave the Premier an opportunity to meet the people and see the development progress in several areas across Sarawak.
The journey started after the official opening ceremony of Batang Lupar 1 Bridge in the morning. The new bridge is an important infrastructure project that improves road connections between coastal and rural areas in Sarawak.
Abang Johari, together with 19 high-powered motorcycle riders, started the convoy from the bridge at about 12.55pm. The group travelled through several towns and villages along the Pan Borneo Highway route before heading towards Sibu.
Throughout the journey, many residents came out to welcome the convoy. People were seen waving, taking photos and recording videos as the Premier and the group passed through their towns and villages. The warm response showed the close relationship between the Sarawak leadership and the people.
The first stop was at Dataran Tandang Sari, Pusa, at around 1.50pm. Abang Johari spent time meeting local residents at the Batang Lupar Parliamentary Service Centre while enjoying light refreshments.
The casual meeting allowed residents to speak directly with the Premier and take memorable photos together.
The convoy then continued its journey for about 95 kilometres to Sarikei and arrived at around 3.40pm. In Sarikei, Abang Johari and the convoy members performed Zohor and Asar prayers at Masjid Al Mutaqqin before attending an afternoon gathering with local leaders and the community.
The group later continued their journey to Sibu at about 5pm and arrived safely at RH Hotel around 6.05pm. The arrival of the Premier was warmly welcomed by members of the public who had gathered there.
Among those joining the convoy were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan, MINTRED SME Adviser Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais, Sarawak Police Commissioner CP Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, and Abang Johari’s son Dato Abang Abdillah Izzarim Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari.
Also taking part were Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and several other senior government officials.
The convoy received support from the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), and media teams to ensure the journey was safe and smooth.
The Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) 2026 Central Zone Programme is being held in Sibu from July 10 to 12. The programme aims to strengthen the relationship between the state government and the people while allowing leaders to better understand the needs of local communities.
The motorcycle convoy showed the Sarawak government’s commitment to staying connected with the people while continuing to monitor development projects and progress across the state.
