By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, May 17: The completion of the Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Tuanku Haji Othman Bridge paves the way for economic and carbon trade growth in the area, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said that the bridge completes the ‘missing link’ in terms of accessibility with the central region, acting as a connection between Sarikei and the Tanjung Manis area.
This, he said, will create greater opportunities for residents to enhance their economic potential as Tanjung Manis, including Belawai and Pulau Bruit, have their own uniqueness in terms of local products and tourist attractions.
“If this area has good connectivity, the people here will be able to market their products,” he said.
He said this at the officiation ceremony of the Batang Rajang Bridge, which is now the Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Tuanku Haji Othman Bridge, in Sarikei today.
Other than economic opportunities, the new bridge will also allow the State government to implement green economic policies by utilising peat swamp forests in the area for carbon storage.
“Another thing that can drive Sarawak’s economy is that this area has many peatlands that we can leverage for the new economy, namely carbon trading,” he said.
He also stated that the opening of the bridge would serve as a catalyst for exploring new potential in environmentally based economic sectors.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak and Sebuyau assemblyman Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Sarawak and Kuala Rajang assemblyman, Datuk Len Talif Salleh; and Sarawak Secretary, Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, were also present at the event. — DayakDaily
