By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 2: There are no unfulfilled campaign promises or development pledges left hanging by the Sarawak government, as all announced projects have either been delivered or are currently in various stages of completion, said Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.
He said this reflected the administration’s commitment under the leadership of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, which he said had consistently delivered on its development agenda for the people.
Harry, who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman, highlighted how major infrastructure projects, particularly the new Batang Lupar Bridge 1, have transformed mobility and economic activity in rural and coastal communities.
“I heard that many people have already returned to their hometowns using the new Batang Lupar Bridge. This is a very significant development under the leadership of the Sarawak Premier and the GPS government,” he said in a pre-recorded interview when met by members of the press at his Gawai open house in Bung Konis, Singai on Monday (June 1).
He added that improved connectivity had made travel easier while directly stimulating local economies, especially in fisheries and small-scale trade.
Using the example of the locally caught lumek fish, he said fishermen are now seeing better returns compared to the past when access to markets was constrained by ferry dependence.
“In the past, it was difficult to sell because people had to use the ferry. Now, with the completion of the Batang Lupar Bridge, which provides better connectivity, the fish are selling better and even the prices have increased,” he said.
He noted that the price of lumek fish, which was previously as low as RM3 per kilogramme and sometimes unsold, has now increased significantly due to improved market access.
“That is the impact. With the completion of the bridge, villagers along the coastal areas are benefiting, and economic activities have become more profitable. This has led to an improvement in the socio-economic status of the people,” he said.
Harry cited similar transformations in Sematan following the completion of the Kayan Bridge, which he said had revived local economic activity, particularly for fishermen and seafood traders.
“Sematan, which was once a quiet town, experienced change after the Kayan Bridge was completed with the prices of fish, prawns, and crabs increased,” he said, adding that reliance on ferry services previously discouraged travel and trade due to long waiting times.
He stressed that such infrastructure projects were essential in connecting rural communities and ensuring inclusive development across Sarawak, including interior and coastal regions.
Looking ahead, Harry said Sarawak was expected to see significant progress in the next five to seven years, driven by continued infrastructure expansion and resource-based development.
“Personally, I am already at the end of my term, but I am very grateful because I can see improvements in infrastructure, in the physical aspect, and also in the mindset of the people, who are accepting this progress,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in the Greater Bau 2030 initiative, saying development objectives outlined during previous election campaigns had not only been achieved but exceeded.
“I see that we have worked hard and delivered on the objectives and intentions in our manifesto, and I can say that we have ‘walked the talk’,” he said.
Henry reiterated that all pledged projects have been implemented, with some still undergoing completion stages, and emphasised continued focus on socio-economic development alongside physical infrastructure.
“When infrastructure reaches a better level that facilitates the movement of goods, trade, and the local socio-economic environment, I believe many will participate in local socio-economic activities,” he said.
He added that secure land ownership and legal utilisation for economic activities would further strengthen community livelihoods, urging continued cooperation between the government and the people to sustain development momentum. — DayakDaily
