KUCHING: Bridge and road construction projects undertaken by the Sarawak Government have not only strengthened the state’s transport network but also made it easier for people to return to their hometowns and reunite with family during the festive season.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said Sarawakians living away from home no longer have to worry about congestion at ferry crossings when travelling back for Hari Raya, as better and safer infrastructure has been developed across the state.

According to him, many areas that previously depended on ferry services such as Daro, Igan, Mukah, Betong and Sri Aman have seen reduced reliance on ferries following the completion of several major bridges.

“This Hari Raya, not many of our people will be using ferries in areas such as Daro, Igan, Mukah, Betong and Sri Aman because many bridges have been completed.

“This means there is no longer any concern about travelling home to visit relatives in their respective villages,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Symbolic Handover Ceremony of the 2026 Sumbangsih Raya at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi on Friday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that the availability of road networks such as the toll-free Pan Borneo Highway will further ease travel for Sarawakians returning to their hometowns.

In another development, he stressed that the Sarawak Government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of the people regardless of background, including through initiatives such as the provision of laptops and the implementation of free education for Sarawakian students this year.

He explained that these initiatives aim to ensure that all Sarawakians have equal opportunities to build a better future.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, KPWK Deputy Ministers Datuk Rosey Yunus and Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, Deputy Ministers, heads of departments and other dignitaries. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Jonnie Kiew
Photo: George S. Embie
Translator: Nerissa Sia