SEBUYAU — The landmark Batang Lupar 1 Bridge project in Sebuyau, which will become Malaysia’s longest bridge across a river, is now 84 percent complete and is expected to be operational by the Gawai celebration in 2026.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, confirmed the update during his working visit to the project site on Wednesday.
He acknowledged ongoing technical hurdles, notably involving construction on the 52nd pillar, but assured that the issues would be resolved soon.
“We’ve been told that this bridge should be in use by Gawai Day 2026. The contractor is committed, and we will continue to monitor the progress closely,” he told reporters.
Spanning 4.8 kilometres, the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge forms a key part of the Sarawak government’s initiative to enhance the state’s coastal road network and end dependency on the Sebuyau-Triso ferry service—a vital link for rural communities in the area.
Launched on January 7, 2021, the RM848.7 million project is one of 16 major bridges currently under construction throughout Sarawak.
“The Public Works Department (JKR) is constantly monitoring developments on-site. We aim to drastically reduce the number of ‘sick’ or delayed infrastructure projects in Sarawak,” said Uggah.
He also announced a new mega bridge project at Miri Marina, with an estimated cost of RM6.53 billion, aimed at further accelerating infrastructure growth and economic development in the state.
During the site visit, Uggah was briefed by Ir. Ts Cassidy Morris, Director of JKR Sarawak, along with engineers from Perbena Emas and officials from the Sebuyau District Office.
