SAMARAHAN – Sarawak marked another milestone in its infrastructure development today with the opening of the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge, a project hailed as one of the state’s most significant undertakings in recent years.
The Pre-Opening Ceremony was officiated by Deputy Premier of Sarawak, YB Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who described the bridge as a symbol of the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and driving socio-economic growth.
The Batang Lupar 1 Bridge stretches 4.844 kilometres and has been constructed to JKR R5 Standard. It features a main span cable of 598.8 metres, with a navigation clearance of 250 metres wide and 26 metres high.
The project, valued at RM848,745,087.50, represents a major investment in Sarawak’s coastal corridor. By linking Sebuyau and Triso, the bridge eliminates the reliance on ferry services, offering residents and commuters a safer and faster route.
Travel time across the river is expected to be significantly reduced, while logistics and transportation efficiency will be greatly improved.
The new connection is anticipated to stimulate economic activity, particularly in agriculture and tourism, across Sebuyau, Triso, and surrounding areas.
In his address, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas emphasised that the bridge is more than just a physical structure.
“The Batang Lupar 1 Bridge reflects the Sarawak Government’s determination to strengthen the communication network, stimulate socio-economic growth, and improve accessibility for the people, especially those in coastal regions,” he said.
The Deputy Premier highlighted that infrastructure projects of this scale are designed to deliver long-term benefits, including better access to markets, improved mobility for rural communities, and greater opportunities for investment.
The bridge is expected to serve as a catalyst for regional development, opening up new prospects for industries and local businesses.
Residents in the area have welcomed the opening, noting that the bridge will ease daily travel and reduce costs associated with ferry crossings. For many, the project represents progress and a tangible improvement in quality of life.
The Pre-Opening Ceremony also underscored the government’s broader strategy of implementing high-impact infrastructure projects across Sarawak.
Officials reiterated that such initiatives are crucial in ensuring balanced development, bridging rural-urban divides, and supporting the state’s vision of becoming a developed economy.
With the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge now accessible to the public, Sarawak takes another step forward in its journey towards modernisation and inclusive growth.
The bridge stands as a landmark achievement, reinforcing the state’s commitment to building infrastructure that serves both present and future generations.
