By Karen Bong
SEBUYAU, July 9: The Sarawak government is constructing 21 mega bridge projects with a combined value of RM6.4 billion as part of its long-term infrastructure development agenda, with 11 bridges already completed and another six expected to be ready by the third quarter of this year.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the completion of Batang Lupar 1 Bridge was among the major achievements under the initiative, reflecting Sarawak’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and accelerating development across the State.
“We have started to reap the benefits of these bridge projects. These developments are changing the landscape of Sarawak’s connectivity,” he said at the launch of Batang Lupar 1 Bridge, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, here today.
Uggah, who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, emphasised that all the mega bridge projects were financed entirely through Sarawak’s own resources.
He said the State’s capacity to undertake such large-scale infrastructure development was made possible by strong revenue growth under the leadership of Abang Johari, which increased from RM5.6 billion in 2017 to RM14.2 billion in 2024.
According to him, the additional revenue has been channelled back to the people through investments in critical infrastructure, including bridges, roads, water supply systems, electricity networks and telecommunications facilities.
“When there are no roads, we move backwards. When there are roads and bridges, we move forward,” he said.
Responding to critics, particularly from the opposition, Uggah said there were those who had dismissed the Premier’s mega development plans as mere rhetoric when they were first announced.
“Some even claimed that Sarawak would go bankrupt within three years after Abang Jo became Premier.
“Today, not only have those predictions proven wrong, but many of these projects have already been completed. Those who dismissed them as empty promises can now see the results for themselves,” he said.
Uggah described Abang Johari as a visionary leader with the courage to make bold decisions and the ability to secure the resources needed to drive Sarawak’s development agenda.
“Sarawak is fortunate to have a leader like Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who has the vision, courage and capability to bring development to every corner of the State,” he said.
He also called on Sarawakians to continue supporting the Premier’s leadership to ensure that Sarawak’s long-term development vision can be fully realised. — DayakDaily
