By Tedong Rantayy
MARUDI, Nov 10: Today marks a pivotal moment for Northern Sarawak as the highly anticipated Marudi Bridge officially opens, replacing ferry services across Batang Baram.
Costing RM116.5 million, the Marudi Bridge not only connects communities but also sets the stage for a series of ambitious road projects to transform the region.
The 740-metre bridge commenced construction on October 20, 2022, and reached completion by October 18, 2024.
This eliminates the need for ferry crossings in the area and is expected to spur greater connectivity and economic activity.
At the opening ceremony, Sarawak’s Infrastructure and Port Development Deputy Minister, Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, emphasised that the Marudi Bridge is a catalyst for an expanded road network.
“This bridge is just the beginning of a network that will enhance connections throughout this region. A new 42-kilometre road from Eastwood Valley in Miri to the Marudi Bridge, built to the R5 standard, will be developed as part of this initiative,” he announced.
Looking forward, next year will see the launch of various road projects extending connectivity deeper into Sarawak’s interior, including a 76-kilometre stretch that will connect Marudi Bridge directly to Kuala Melinau, providing crucial access to Mulu National Park; and from Long Panai to Long Lama, a 26-kilometre road that will link additional rural communities to the main transport network.
Furthermore, Pan Borneo Highway Phase 2, under the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project, will extend road access from Mulu to Nanga Mendamit and Long Seridan, followed by a route to Lawas.
The full network, targeted for completion within the next five years under the 13th Malaysia Plan, will link Miri to Marudi, Mulu, Limbang, and Long Lama, ensuring more connected and resilient infrastructure in Sarawak’s northern region.
Deputy Minister of Local Government, and Housing Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department Datuk Gerawat Gala; Baram MP Dato Anyi Ngau; and Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau were also present at today’s ceremony. — DayakDaily
