By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 23: The iconic Jepak Bridge is now officially open to the public, marking a significant milestone in Bintulu’s infrastructure development.
Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, officiated the launch today, highlighting the bridge’s role in enhancing economic activities and attracting more tourists to Sarawak, particularly Bintulu.
“Starting today, the bridge is accessible to the public at all times. It is a four-lane dual carriageway and serves as a new landmark for Bintulu.
“This infrastructure will greatly facilitate economic activities and draw more visitors to Bintulu,” Uggah said in an audio recording made available to DayakDaily after the function.
Spanning the Kemena River, the bridge is a major infrastructure project with a total construction cost of RM466.7 million.
The project involves the construction of a four-lane dual carriageway bridge stretching 1.2 kilometers, featuring a cable-stayed section measuring 494.2 meters, with a main span of 267.6 meters.
Additionally, a 3.5-kilometer access road is being developed to connect key routes in Bintulu, including Jalan Ahmad Zaidi, Jalan Tun Razak, and Jalan Abang Galau.
Once completed, the bridge will shorten the travel distance from Bintulu Airport to the city center to just 6.4 kilometers.
Responding to questions from the media, Uggah addressed criticisms from the opposition, stating that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led government remains committed to the development of Sarawak.
“The opposition has indeed always belittled the efforts of the GPS government in developing Sarawak. They also do not want to try and only seek to muddy the waters.
“Thus, the people should not be baited by the irresponsible words of the opposition,” he pointed out.
He emphasized that major infrastructure projects, including the construction of 16 bridges under the Coastal Road and Second Trunk Road projects, worth RM11 billion, are progressing smoothly.
“Some of these bridges will be completed soon. On the 28th of this month, we will also have a soft opening for the Batang Rajang Bridge, along with several others expected to be completed this year,” he revealed.
He further cited last month’s inauguration of the Muara Lassa Bridge, which connects the mainland to Pulau Bruit, as a historic achievement.
Additionally, he noted that the Public Works Department (JKR) has been allocated around RM30 billion for road and infrastructure projects across Sarawak, including those managed by regional agencies. – DayakDaily
