SIBU: The commitment of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg to engage with the people and personally inspect the development of the state continued through the Motorcycle Convoy in conjunction with the Sarawakku Sayang Programme (SKS) 2026 Central Zone which started from Batang Lupar Bridge 1 and ended in Sibu town on Thursday.

The 214-kilometre convoy began immediately after the Opening Ceremony of the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge in the morning before crossing several coastal and inland areas along the Pan Borneo Road to Sibu.

The Sarawak Premier along with 19 high-powered motorcycle riders arrived at RH Hotel at about 6.05pm and was warmly welcomed by the crowd awaiting his arrival.

Along the way, residents in every town and village passed by waved and took commemorative photos and videos of the convoy, reflecting the close relationship between the state leadership and the people.

Earlier, the convoy departed from the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge at about 12.55pm after the opening of the bridge which will serve as a new landmark in Sarawak's transport network.

The first stop was at Dataran Tandang Sari, Pusa at about 1.50pm, where Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari spent time socialising with residents at the Batang Lupar Parliamentary Service Centre while enjoying refreshments.

Local residents took the opportunity of the relaxed atmosphere to interact and pose for commemorative photos with the Sarawak Premier.

The convoy then continued its journey for about 95 kilometres towards Sarikei before arriving around 3.40pm.

In Sarikei, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari along with the convoy participants performed Zohor and Asr prayers at the Al Mutaqqin Mosque before having an evening meal with local leaders and the local community.

The convoy then proceeded to Sibu at 5pm before arriving safely about an hour later.

Among those who involved in the convoy were Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, MTCP Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Ministry for International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) Advisor Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais, Sarawak Police Commissioner CP Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah and son of the Sarawak Premier Dato Abang Abdillah Izzarim Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari.

Also joining the convoy were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and several other dignitaries accompanied by more than 20 other vehicles.

The convoy also received logistical support from the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) as well as media personnel to ensure that the journey ran smoothly.

The convoy programme was held in conjunction with the Sarawakku Sayang Programme (SKS) 2026 Central Zone which will take place in Sibu from 10 to 12 July.

In addition to strengthening the relationship between the state leadership and the people, the programme gave the Sarawak Premier the opportunity to personally inspect the progress of infrastructure development as well as the progress of rural areas which are among the main focuses of Sarawak's development agenda. -UKASnews