By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Apr 18: What once stood as natural barriers separating Melanau communities is now giving way to bridges that are reconnecting families, villages, and shared heritage across the coastal region.
According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said improved infrastructure along Sarawak’s coastal corridor is gradually removing the long-standing geographical divides created by rivers.
“The ongoing construction and completion of key bridges are transforming mobility for coastal communities, making travel easier while strengthening social and cultural ties that were previously constrained by distance.
“With the completion of several major bridges, including the Batang Rajang Bridge (to be named Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Bridge) in Sarikei, the Paloh Bridge expected next year, and the Batang Igan Bridge connecting Mukah, Balingian and extending towards Bintulu, we will no longer be separated by rivers as before,” he said.
He said this during the Melanau Association Sibu (PMS) Grand Table Gathering at Larizwa Riz’s Grand Hall today.
He also noted that rivers once played a defining role in how communities were identified and how interactions were shaped, often limiting movement and regular contact between settlements.
“That geographical reality is changing. With better connectivity, communities are now able to visit one another more frequently, interact more freely, and strengthen social relationships,” he added.
He also said efforts are being made to preserve Melanau identity through the digitalisation of the Kamus Dialek Melanau Rajang, which aims to safeguard linguistic heritage and address variations in dialect among younger generations.
On community development, Len urged PMS members to prepare for the association’s 70th anniversary celebration next year, marking its establishment in 1957 and its long-standing role in uniting Melanau communities in Sibu.
“We should prepare something meaningful to mark 70 years of efforts in bringing the Melanau community together,” he said. — DayakDaily
