By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 12: The RM298.494 million Batang Paloh Bridge project has fallen behind schedule, with a delay of 97 days recorded despite achieving 76.92 per cent physical progress to date.
The current progress falls short of the initial target of 86.39 per cent, according to Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
He noted, however, that recovery measures have been implemented by the contractor to address the setback.
“This project will not only spur connectivity between rural and urban areas but is also expected to generate various new economic opportunities for the local population,” he said during a site visit on Tuesday (June 10).
Aidel was accompanied by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS) and Semop assemblyman, Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
Originally scheduled for completion on January 15, 2026, the bridge is now expected to be completed by September 12, 2026, following the approval of Extension of Time No. 10 (EOT No. 10).
Meanwhile, Abdullah noted that the local community has been eagerly anticipating the completion of the project which is expected to significantly transform their daily lives.
“Once completed, this bridge will greatly reduce travel time and open up broader economic opportunities for the community, including in the tourism, agriculture, and small enterprise sectors,” he said.
The visit also included a technical briefing by the contractor and a site tour to inspect key structural components of the project and assess construction progress more closely. — DayakDaily
