By Karen Bong
MARUDI, Jan 17: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg borrowed a police motorcycle to personally ride across the newly completed RM116.5 million Marudi Bridge—a 650-metre engineering marvel spanning Batang Baram—symbolising his firsthand experience of one of Sarawak’s most significant infrastructural achievements.
The Marudi Bridge project, launched in October 2022, was completed ahead of schedule on Nov 10, 2024—seven months earlier than planned. This remarkable achievement was made possible by the dedication of contractors, consultants, and strict oversight by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak.
The 650-metre bridge over the Batang Baram, along with an 800-metre JKR R5 standard road, has eliminated reliance on ferry services, cutting travel time and improving access to essential services.
Sepaking at the inauguration ceremony, which was streamed live via Ukas Channel, today, Abang Johari expressed his pride and joy at fulfilling a promise to the people of Sarawak.
“I even had to show the police that I have a bike license. The bridge is marvellous, and the scenery on both sides is breathtaking. I must congratulate and say, well done to the people of Marudi,” he said.
He noted that the new bridge has shortened the travel time between Miri and Marudi to just about one hour.
Reflecting on the past challenges faced by Marudi residents, he said, “During the time of the late Datuk Edward Jeli (former Sarawak Land Development Minister), there were complaints about Marudi being far and inaccessible. That is now history.
“When I assumed office as Premier, it was my intention to close the gap between Marudi and Miri. Today, with the trust placed in me, we have achieved this,” he added.
Abang Johari also highlighted Baram’s rich cultural heritage and potential for development, particularly in modern agriculture.
He emphasised that connecting Miri and Marudi was essential to reduce dependency on ferry crossings and to unlock the region’s economic potential.
The Marudi Bridge stands as a testament to the Sarawak government’s commitment under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to create sustainable and inclusive infrastructure.
It follows the recent opening of the Muara Lassa Bridge and is part of a broader infrastructure network connecting Miri, Marudi, Limbang, Lawas, Mulu, and neighbouring regions such as Brunei and Sabah.
This new infrastructure is expected to spur socio-economic growth in Marudi and Miri, enhance regional connectivity through the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road, and open up rural areas to markets, investments, and tourism. Additionally, it will improve access to essential services like education and healthcare while making iconic destinations such as Mulu National Park more accessible.
The Marudi Bridge is more than just a physical structure; it is a symbol of progress and a brighter future for Sarawak.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, Deputy Minister of Public Health and Housing Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister of Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister of Port Development Datu Majang Renggi, Baram MP Anyi Ngau and JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris were among those present. — DayakDaily
