By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 19: The RM375.5 million Batang Saribas 1 Bridge, officially opened today, is poised to be a game changer for rural Sarawak by unlocking vital connectivity between Pusa and Beladin, and linking coastal communities to the wider State road network.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the bridge, as the only link along the Sarawak Coastal Road Network in this section, connects longhouses and villages in the area and will drive economic opportunities, particularly in modern agriculture.
“With the completion of this project, the people can now connect directly to Kuching via the road network we are developing.
“Soon, we will officiate the Lingga Bridge, which will link the Second Trunk Road to these areas,” he said during a press conference following the opening ceremony of the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge and the launch of the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA). The event was broadcast live by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), with an audio recording of the press conference shared with DayakDaily afterwards.
The bridge project, implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) and executed by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), was constructed by Brooke Holding Sdn Bhd and commenced on June 3, 2019. It was completed on May 25, 2025.
Located 0.6km downstream from the former ferry point, the project features a 1.55km two-lane single carriageway bridge with 16 spans, and forms part of a 6.7km overall alignment linking Pusa and Beladin.
In addition to the bridge, the project scope included widening and upgrading of existing roads (0.887km at Beladin and 1.62km at Pusa); construction of 1.851km of new road at Beladin and 0.792km at Pusa; civil, drainage, and ancillary works; and installation of navigation signage and street lighting.
The bridge is expected to significantly reduce ferry travel time from 30 minutes to just a few minutes, while also enhancing accessibility for schools, clinics, and villages on both riverbanks, and boosting the local economy by encouraging movement of goods and people.
Abang Johari thanked MIPD and JKR for delivering the project and expressed appreciation to residents in the Betong area for their cooperation throughout the construction.
In his earlier address, he emphasised how completed and ongoing infrastructure works are significantly reducing travel times between rural towns and Kuching.
“From Sebuyau to Lingga, we are building the Lingga Bridge. From Lingga to Simanggang, we are opening up paddy areas, and from Simanggang through Lingga, you can reach Betong—just 20 minutes. From Betong, it connects to Saratok via bridges,” he said.
Abang Johari also light-heartedly remarked on the temporary name of the new bridge.
“It’s currently called Saribas 1—sounds like a racing boat!” he quipped.
“So, we will rename the bridge later. I will leave it to the local elected representatives and historians to find a name that reflects the historical significance of this area.”
At the same time, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas in his speech, recalled that the bridge’s construction journey was not without challenges.
“Work began in 2019, but then the Covid-19 pandemic struck. That’s why it took until this year to complete—not because the contractor was incapable, but because many works could not proceed at the time.
“Nevertheless, our bridge now stands tall and proud before us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Beting Maro assemblyman Razaili Gapor said the bridge ends a wait of over 60 years for residents of Pusa and nearby areas to finally have a permanent crossing over the Batang Saribas River.
He noted that this will be followed by the completion of Batang Saribas 2, Batang Lupar 1, and Batang Krian bridges, which will further strengthen the Coastal Road Network.
“God willing, once completed, these bridges will further enhance coastal connectivity, linking Beting Maro and Pusa with many more areas across the region,” he said. — DayakDaily
