Ferry-Free Infrastructure Assists Rakyat To Cope with Rising Costs
SRI AMAN: The construction of bridge networks across Sarawak is helping to reduce reliance on ferry services, effectively shielding the people from the impact of rising fuel prices.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg stated that global uncertainties, including international conflicts, can disrupt trade routes and cause diesel prices to spike sharply.
“Fortunately, we have already begun building many bridges. Batang Lassa no longer uses ferries; Baram and Marudi also have no more ferries. Soon, Batang Lupar 1 will also stop using ferries starting this May. This means that when there are no ferries, we are no longer dependent on diesel,” he said.
He delivered these remarks during the closing ceremony of the Lingga Constituency Economic Forum 2026 here on Sunday.
The Sarawak Premier noted that the state government previously bore high costs for diesel used in operations such as power generation and ferry services.
He highlighted that Lawas stopped using diesel for electricity in December last year, while Limbang is expected to fully transition by July 2026. This shift from diesel to alternative energy sources (solar, hydro, biomass) protects the state's economy from fluctuating global fuel prices.
With the completion of major bridges like the nearly 5-kilometer-long Batang Lupar 1—set to be Malaysia's longest river-crossing bridge—residents can now use land routes that are safer, faster, and more reliable.
He added that the government's early planning in infrastructure has proven vital in reducing the cost-of-living burden for the rakyat.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari also shared plans for the Sri Aman area, including the construction of a new civic center (dewan suarah) equipped with modern technology for seminars, forums, and community activities.
The two-day Lingga Economic Forum aimed to broaden residents' access to development opportunities, particularly in the digital economy, green technology, modern agriculture, and learning networks.
Also in attendance were Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Deputy Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Lingga Assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, and Sri Aman Division Resident Mahra Salleh. — UKASnews
Prepared by: Grace John Lee
Photos: Irfan Malek
Translator: Ryan Lim
