IGAN: The Sarawak Government's commitment to strengthening infrastructure development for the well-being of the people, especially in rural areas, continues to be demonstrated through the construction of the Batang Igan Bridge, which is now fully completed.

Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this infrastructure will facilitate communication and boost economic development, especially in rural areas.

"This continuous effort can be seen through the construction of the Batang Igan Bridge which is now open for public use, marking another important achievement in the state's development agenda.

"Today is a historic moment for the community in Mukah Division, especially in the Igan area when the bridge is allowed to be passed by the public," he said.

He said this to reporters after completing the Batang Igan Bridge Pre-Launch Ceremony, on Monday.

He said that the Batang Igan ferry service was also terminated after about 30 years of operation and it became history for the residents here.

He added that the 1.439-kilometre bridge, built at a cost of RM285.5 million, proves the commitment of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government in fulfilling its promise to build more than 20 bridges throughout the state.

"This year is like the 'year of bridge harvest' when several more bridge projects in Sarawak are expected to be completed and opened for public use.

"The successful construction of these projects reflects the determination of the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg in realising the promise of building more than 20 bridges in Sarawak," he explained.

At the same time, the bridge is being financed using state government funds after three bridge projects including the Batang Igan Bridge were cancelled by the Federal government in 2018.

"I am confident that by this year the ferry service from Kuching to Miri will be completely terminated when all bridge projects are completed.

"This effort is also in line with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) which targets Sarawak to achieve high-income state status by 2030," he added.

After the ceremony, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah also officiated the Road Safety Ceremony by distributing 'goodies' to road users.

Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department of Sarawak (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Integrity & Ombudsman) Dato' Murshid Diraja Dr Juanda Jaya, Igan Member of Parliament Ahmad Johnie Zawawi, Tanjung Manis Member of Parliament Dato Ir Yusuf Abdul Wahab, Director of the Sarawak Public Works Department Datu Dr Cassidy Morris as well as other dignitaries. - UKASnews