By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 10: A 200km motorcycle journey led by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg from Sebuyau to Sibu has showcased how a project once deemed impossible has become a reality, with the Batang Lupar Bridge 1 transforming rural connectivity in Sarawak.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the ride yesterday (July 9), following the official opening of the Batang Lupar Bridge 1, allowed the Premier to personally experience the impact of the newly connected Coastal Highway route.
He said the journey was planned not only for Abang Johari to officiate the longest bridge in Malaysia crossing a river, but also to observe the actual road conditions along the route.
“The Premier is already familiar with the Pan Borneo Highway, especially in the upper country areas.
“But the Coastal Highway from Kuching, Samarahan, Samarahan to Sebuyau, Sebuyau to Pusa, Maludam, Sarikei and up to Sibu is something different,” he told reporters at a press conference held at Baitulmakmur 2 today.
The convoy began from Sebuyau after the bridge’s opening ceremony, travelling across the Batang Lupar Bridge 1 before continuing through Pusa and Sarikei, with Abang Johari eventually arriving in Sibu.
Abdul Karim said the journey highlighted how the bridge had opened up areas that were previously difficult to access, particularly for communities in Sebuyau, Simunjan, Pusa and surrounding areas.
“Who could have imagined that a bridge like this could be built in Sarawak? If you told villagers 10 or 20 years ago that there would be a bridge crossing Batang Lupar, they would have said ‘Gila’ (It is impossible),” he stressed.
He said crossing Batang Lupar by ferry previously could take almost an hour, while rough conditions at the river mouth during the monsoon season could make the journey impossible.
“But now, with this bridge, local products such as fish, vegetables and other produce can be transported more easily from where they are produced to other places,” he said.
Abdul Karim described the Batang Lupar Bridge as a game changer, saying its impact went beyond merely reducing travel time.
He said the journey through the Coastal Highway also demonstrated how connectivity had changed the accessibility of areas that were previously isolated.
“Previously, going to Pusa itself was difficult. It took almost an hour just to cross the river. Now from Pusa to Sarikei, it takes about two hours and the road is very good,” he said.
From Sarikei, Abang Johari continued the journey to Sibu, which is about 60km away.
Abdul Karim said he himself rode back from Sarikei to Kuching after the event, spending about seven hours on the motorcycle.
“It was tiring, but enjoyable,” he said.
Abdul Karim said the Batang Lupar Bridge 1 also reflected the Sarawak government’s commitment to completing major infrastructure projects despite challenges, noting that the project was initially planned as a federal government project before being cancelled after the 2018 general election.
“When it was cancelled, we had already made a promise to the people. The State government said that although it was cancelled, we would take over the project,” he said.
He stressed that infrastructure projects should not be judged solely by direct financial returns, as their value lies in the wider benefits created for communities.
“If we talk about return on investment (ROI) in terms of dollars and cents, there is no way. The return comes in other perspectives. It goes into the community and the ecosystem,” he said.
Abdul Karim said improved connectivity would allow rural communities to bring agricultural produce, seafood, handicrafts and local products such as gula apong to bigger markets, while also increasing land values in surrounding areas.
“Previously, land in these areas was only worth a few hundred ringgit per acre. Today, the value has increased tremendously because once roads are built, everything changes,” he said, adding that the transformation was already visible in areas such as Asajaya, Sebuyau, Pusa, Beladin and Maludam. — DayakDaily
