By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 11: A RM207.88 million road project linking Batu Kawa to Stephen Yong Road, featuring two bridges across Sungai Moyan and Sungai Sarawak, is expected to ease traffic congestion in Batu Kawa and improve connectivity for residents in the surrounding areas.
Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa incumbent Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the development marked a significant milestone for the constituency, which is set to get its second bridge after more than three decades.
He said the first Batu Kawa bridge was built in 1992, making the construction of another bridge a major step forward for the area.
“Today is very significant. After 30 years, Batu Kawa finally gets a second bridge. The first Batu Kawa bridge was built in 1992, and the contract was awarded to an Indian company. Now, not only are we getting a second bridge, but it is also being built by Anak Sarawak. This shows how far we have come,” he said when speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Batu Kawa–Stephen Yong Road Construction Project at Moyan today.
Dr Sim, who was elected as the Batu Kawa assemblyman in 2016, said the constituency had undergone significant transformation over the past decade, with its growing population and development bringing new challenges, particularly traffic congestion.
He noted that Batu Kawa had changed considerably since 10 years ago, when traffic congestion was not a major concern.
“Ten years ago, there was no traffic jam. Now there is traffic congestion, and many people are telling everyone that they live in Batu Kawa,” he said.
He said the growing popularity of Batu Kawa as a residential area reflected its development and the need for infrastructure to keep pace with increasing population and urban expansion.
Dr Sim also stressed the importance of ensuring that development projects were followed through until completion, rather than remaining as plans or announcements.
He said the transformation of Batu Kawa over the past decade reflected the importance of continuity and commitment in delivering development projects for the people.
“Batu Kawa is our future, and the results must never stop. Over the past 10 years, Batu Kawa has changed a lot, but don’t change the YB (elected representative). We will continue until everything is materialised. We must keep working, not just ‘tengok saja’ (see only),” he said.
The project, officially launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, involves the construction of a 5.664-kilometre dual-carriageway road to U3 standards, with two lanes in each direction.
Implemented by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak, the new road will connect the Batu Kawa–Matang (Sungai Moyan) junction to the Stephen Yong Road junction.
The construction period is 36 months, commencing on Feb 11, 2026, with completion scheduled for Feb 10, 2029.
According to JKR Sarawak, its major components include two reinforced concrete bridges measuring 74.8 metres across Sungai Moyan and 280.8 metres across the Sarawak River.
Other works include the construction of culverts and drainage systems, installation of street lighting, signalised intersections and access roads, as well as the relocation and protection of existing utilities.
The new route is expected to provide an alternative connection for residents in Batu Kawa, Matang and surrounding areas, reducing dependence on existing roads and improving daily traffic movement.
Based on project planning, the road has the potential to reduce traffic congestion along Jalan Batu Kawa–Kuching by up to 30 per cent.
Beyond addressing traffic concerns, improved connectivity is also expected to support economic activities and unlock development potential along the Sungai Moyan and Batu Kawa growth corridors.
Better accessibility could encourage further residential, commercial and services-sector investments, while strengthening links between neighbourhoods, business centres and emerging development areas.
The RM207.88 million project, funded by the Sarawak government, is being undertaken by Toyugi Builders Sdn Bhd, with Minsar Consult Sdn Bhd appointed as the project consultant.
Its implementation is supervised by JKR Sarawak through the Kuching Divisional Engineer’s Office, with emphasis on construction quality, safety, compliance with technical specifications and effective project management.
Upon completion, the road is expected to strengthen Kuching’s transportation network, improve accessibility for residents and support Batu Kawa’s continued growth. — DayakDaily
