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By Ashley Sim
UNDER the visionary leadership of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak is witnessing a historic transformation with the construction of 12 groundbreaking bridges.
The 12 bridges costing RM4 billion being built under the initiative of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government are set to become a defining landmark and a source of immense pride for the people of Sarawak.
Spanning various rivers and connecting crucial areas, these bridges promise to revolutionise transportation, accelerate economic growth, and strengthen social cohesion throughout the State.
Connecting Sarawak
The 12 bridges are the Batang Lupar Bridge (RM848 million); the Batang Lassa Bridge (RM598 million); the Bintulu-Jepak Bridge (RM467 million); the Kuala Saribas Bridge (RM385 million), where Batang Saribas 2 connects to Roban; the Batang Saribas Bridge (RM378 million), where Batang Saribas 1 connects to Pusa; the Batang Paloh Bridge (RM298 million); the Batang Igan Bridge (RM286 million); the Batang Lupar 2 Bridge (RM224 million); the Sungai Limbang Bridge (RM188 million), the Batang Rajang Bridge (RM170 million); the Batang Rambungan Bridge (RM98.5 million); and the Batang Krian Bridge (RM75 million).
1. Batang Lupar Bridge
The Batang Lupar Bridge, with a length of 4.8km, is set to become the longest river-crossing bridge in Malaysia, costing RM848 million.
The structure will be built next to Triso Island, creating a visually appealing sight for those who pass by.
Once completed, the bridge will connect the areas of Sebuyau in Samarahan and Triso-Maludam-Pusa in Betong. This bridge will serve as a replacement for the current Sebuyau-Triso ferry services.
During a site visit on March 1, Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas mentioned that the construction of the nation’s longest bridge across a river is still progressing as planned, although it is slightly delayed due to various challenges such as inclement weather, rough sea conditions, and a significant number of crocodiles in the area.
He observed the overall progress of the work, which is currently at 16.59 per cent compared to the scheduled 20.71 per cent.
However, Uggah is optimistic that the contractor, Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd, has the capability to finish the project before the scheduled completion date of July 7, 2025.
2. Batang Lassa Bridge/Muara Lassa Bridge
The RM598 million Batang Lassa Bridge, also known as the Muara Lassa Bridge, will be the second-longest bridge in Sarawak after the Batang Lupar Bridge.
The bridge is part of the Sarawak Coastal Road Network and Sarawak Trunk Road by the Sarawak government, which connects the linkage between the Batang Igan Bridge and Batang Paloh Bridge throughout Mukah Division.
The Muara Lassa Bridge is to replace the existing ferry crossing and would be a vital link connecting the nearby coastal villages/towns such as Daro, Pulau Bruit, Matu, Tanjung Manis, Mukah, Oya, Dalat, Igan, and Sibu.
The project included the construction of a 2.43km-long two-lane single-carriageway balanced cantilever RC bridge with eight river spans and four approach spans at each end, as well as approach roads to JKR R5 standard with roadside drains, road furniture, and guard rails measuring 1,382m on the Daro side and 1,188m on the Pulau Bruit side.
The Muara Lassa Bridge project has OPUS Consultant (M) Sdn Bhd as the project management consultant; Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd as the project consultant; FCH Quantity Surveyors Sdn Bhd as the quantity surveyor; and Pekerjaan Piasau Konkerit Sdn Bhd as the main contractor.
The bridge’s construction is currently at 71.23 per cent completion as of March of this year, with completion scheduled for 2024.
3. Bintulu-Jepak Bridge
The Bintulu-Jepak Bridge, which costs RM467 million, will serve as a connection between Mukah and Bintulu, as well as Kuala Kemena and Bintulu Town.
The bridge, which spans the Kuala Kemena River, is said to be able to shorten the journey from Bintulu Airport to Bintulu Town from 20km to about 6km.
The Sarawak government awarded the contract to PPES Works CCCC JV Sdn Bhd, which is a joint-venture between PPES Works (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and China Communications Construction Company (M) Sdn Bhd (CCCC (M)).
The cable-stayed bridge will span approximately 1.2km and feature a four-lane dual-carriageway.
During an event on April 25, the Premier of Sarawak stated that the Bintulu-Jepak Bridge, which is expected to be completed by 2025, will be a landmark comparable to bridges in San Francisco.
Abang Johari was referring to a number of bridges in San Francisco, California, including the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the renowned Golden Gate Bridge.
According to him, once the bridge is completed, Jepak will be easily accessible from Bintulu town, and development will then extend to Kidurong and Samalaju.
The Bintulu-Jepak Bridge project is under the Second Trunk Road project, fully funded by the State government.
During a working visit to Bintulu on March 4, Uggah provided an update on the bridge’s progress, stating that it is currently 43.91 per cent completed.
4. Kuala Saribas Bridge (Batang Saribas 2 connecting to Roban)
The 4.2km-long Batang Saribas 2 Bridge costing RM385 million, is scheduled to be completed by May 24, 2025.
During a site visit on March 1, Uggah said the construction’s physical progress is at 12.19 per cent versus its schedule of 11.22 per cent.
The MIPD minister emphasised that the Batang Saribas 2 Bridge project is progressing ahead of the planned schedule.
5. Batang Saribas Bridge (Batang Saribas 1 connecting to Pusa)
The 1.55km-long Batang Saribas 1 Bridge costing RM378 million, is targeted to be completed by May 22, 2024.
Once completed, it will connect nearby coastal villages and towns such as Triso, Maludam, Samarang, Beladin, Kabong, Nyabor, and Selalang.
During a site visit on March 1, Uggah mentioned that the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge had reached work progress of 62.51 per cent, slightly ahead of the scheduled progress of 61.61 per cent.
6. Batang Paloh Bridge
The Batang Paloh Bridge, which is 1.7km long and costs RM298 million, is projected to be finished by December of next year.
Once completed, the bridge will connect Tanjung Manis to Pulau Bruit and boost the socio-economic activities of the surrounding areas.
During a site visit on May 9, Uggah observed that the Batang Paloh bridge project is currently 58.33 per cent complete.
The Batang Paloh Bridge project has Hock Seng Lee (HSL) as the contractor.
HSL’s scope of work involves constructing a reinforced concrete structure balanced cantilever bridge that spans 1.7km. This project also includes significant marine piling work, utilising a 1500mm diameter steel pipe pile.
The additional scope of work includes earthworks, geotechnical assessments, drainage systems, pavement construction, and the necessary mechanical and electrical installations.
The Batang Paloh and Batang Lassa bridges are part of the Coastal Highway and Second Trunk Road projects, which cost RM11 billion and are entirely funded by the Sarawak government.
7. Batang Igan Bridge
The Batang Igan Bridge, connecting Daro to Mukah, will feature a distinctive cable-stayed design.
The project includes a two-lane single-carriageway bridge that is 1,439.26m long. The bridge has a vertical height clearance of 26m.
During a site visit on June 20, Uggah stated that the 1.4 km-long Batang Igan Bridge, which costs RM286 million, is currently 47.2 per cent complete.
It is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025.
Uggah described the Batang Igan Bridge as a game-changer for the Igan and Matu areas as it will greatly enhance accessibility and increase economic activities.
8. Batang Lupar 2 Bridge
The Batang Lupar 2 Bridge project costing RM224 million, involves the construction of a cable bridge spanning 870m.
During a site visit on March 2, Uggah stated that the completion date for the project undertaken by the Naim Gamuda (Naga) joint venture had been moved from November 24, 2023, to February 28, 2025.
The completion of the coastal road stretch consisting of the Batang Lupar Bridge and Second Batang Lupar Bridge by 2025 will link Kuching to Betong via Sri Aman.
9. Sungai Limbang Bridge
The Sungai Limbang Bridge project, which the Sarawak government fully funds with construction works commenced in 2017, aims to provide a vital and first international link between Limbang and Brunei.
The RM188 million bridge project is an advantage for the government to develop more land across the river from Limbang Town for economic activities, such as agriculture, housing, and tourism.
Construction of the second Sungai Limbang Bridge has reached 55 per cent completion as of January 2023, and it is projected to be finished by the end of 2024.
10. Batang Rajang Bridge
The Batang Rajang Bridge, which spans 1.4km and stands 26m tall, is a crucial component of the ongoing construction project for a 17km road connecting Jalan Pasi in Sarikei to Tanjung Manis in Mukah.
The entire project, valued at RM321 million, will serve as the missing link connecting Sarikei and Tanjung Manis.
During a site visit on February 25, Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh stated that the projects had reached a completion rate of 72 per cent.
He explained that the projects, which began in 2018 with an anticipated completion date of 2022, experienced a three per cent delay. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, an extension of time (EOT) of two years was granted.
The projects are now expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
11. Batang Rambungan Bridge
According to reports, the contractor Precious Credence JV Gezhouba Sdn Bhd expects the 560-metre-long Batang Rambungan Bridge project to be completed by August 2024.
The contractor stated that the original completion date was scheduled for December of this year, but it was negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The estimated contractual cost for constructing the two-lane single-carriageway cable-stayed bridge as part of the Rambungan-Lundu road project is approximately RM98.5 million.
As of June 2023, the project has reached a completion rate of 56 per cent. The bridge’s construction commenced in December 2019, marking the beginning of the project’s first phase.
Once the construction of the Batang Rambungan Bridge is finished, it will serve as a vital link, connecting the roads from Rambungan, Sempadi, and Lundu areas into a unified coastal road network.
12. Batang Krian Bridge
The Batang Krian Bridge will provide a vital connection between various coastal villages and towns, including Pusa, Sessang, Kabong, Nyabor, and Selalang.
The Batang Krian Bridge will also replace the existing ferry facilities in Krian.
According to reports, MIPD deputy minister Aidel Lariwoo announced that the bridge project had reached a completion status of 20.53 per cent as of January 2023.
Additionally, he mentioned that the project implementation for the new contract saw an increase of RM112 million compared to the original contract, which was RM75 million.
The project’s scope encompasses the construction of a bridge that spans the Krian River, measuring 690m in length.
Additionally, it involves the construction of a road that extends for 1,956km, leading up to the bridge.
The new completion date for the bridge’s construction, including the road, is July 31, 2025.
A symbol of progress and unity
Under the guidance of Abang Johari, the construction of 12 bridges throughout Sarawak is a monumental undertaking that will redefine the State’s future.
Beyond providing practical transportation solutions, these bridges represent hope, unity, and development for the people of Sarawak.
As these towering structures rise above the rivers, they serve as beacons of progress and sources of immense pride for generations to come.
With a vision for a brighter tomorrow, Sarawak Premier’s legacy will endure as the architect of a more connected and prosperous Sarawak. — DayakDaily
