TANJUNG MANIS: The 1.7-kilometre Batang Paloh Bridge, costing RM289 million, is expected to open to road users on 30 October as the project enters its final phase of implementation.

Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo said the final concrete pour carried out on Thursday marked a significant milestone, with the project now nearing completion ahead of its opening to the public.

According to him, several finishing works remain and are expected to take approximately three weeks to complete.

“The remaining works are expected to be completed within about three weeks before the bridge opens to the public,” he said.

He told reporters after officiating the Batang Paloh Bridge Stitching Ceremony here on Thursday.

Once opened, the bridge will provide more convenient road access for coastal communities, particularly those in Tanjung Manis, Pulau Bruit, Serdeng and surrounding areas.

Datuk Ir Aidel said the bridge would also enhance connectivity between Sarikei and Mukah by facilitating the movement of residents and transportation of goods between the connected areas.

This improved access is also expected to support local economic activities through smoother traffic flow, in addition to enhancing connectivity across the coastal region.

The Batang Paloh Bridge forms part of a wider transport infrastructure network developed to establish continuous road links along Sarawak’s coastal areas.

Among the bridges already operational within the network are the Sejingkat Bridge, Batang Lassa Bridge, Igan Bridge and Tuanku Haji Bujang Bridge.

According to Datuk Ir Aidel, the continuity of this infrastructure development reflects the Sarawak Government's ongoing efforts to strengthen transport network and provide better access for communities in coastal areas. -UKASnews