By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Feb 22: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg rode a motorcycle along the Muara Lassa Bridge which he officially launched during a ceremony in Daro, Mukah, today.
Spanning 2.43km and built at a cost of nearly RM600 million, it is Sarawak’s second-longest bridge after the Batang Lupar Bridge, which connects the Daro mainland with Pulau Bruit in the Mukah division.
In his speech, which was streamed live via the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) Facebook page, Abang Johari said the bridge showed what political stability and unity could do as it allowed the State government to focus on looking for income.
He also remarked on the previous federal government’s cancellation of bridge projects in 2018, stating, “We don’t need to depend on Putrajaya—they want to cancel, cancel lah. We will do it.”
Abang Johari said that the Muara Lassa Bridge, in addition to the other bridges, roads, Sarawak’s own AirBorneo, and the new airport, will see a boost in the State’s economy, which will generate income for the people.
Commenting on his motorcycle ride across the bridge during a press conference, the Premier described it as “very smooth” and was certain that it would become a catalyst in developing Daro and Pulau Bruit.
“After this, when (construction on) Rajang Bridge is complete by March, it will connect this area to Sarikei and then to Sibu—meaning our agenda to develop roads and bridges has been implemented,” he said.
In a press release by the Public Works Department (JKR), the bridge is a symbol of the Sarawak government’s efforts to strengthen the State’s coastal road networks, as well as expedite socioeconomic development for residents living in rural areas.
Construction on the bridge started in 2019, and on Jan 9 this year, it was officially opened to the public.
The bridge is part of the Sarawak Coastal Road project, which aims to improve land access for rural residents, especially those who previously relied on ferry services to cross Batang Lassa
Other than allowing for a smoother land route to connect Daro and Pulau Bruit residents, it will also become a catalyst for economic development and improve the standard of living for residents as they now have better access to health and education facilities and job opportunities.
Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development and Dalat assemblywoman Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Deputy Economy Minister and Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib; Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Public Communication Unit) and Semop assemblyman Datuk Abdullah Saidol; Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad; and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki were among those present. — DayakDaily
