SRI AMAN: The opening of Batang Lupar 2 Bridge to the public from Saturday marks another milestone in Sarawak’s infrastructure development, creating new opportunities for economic growth, agriculture and tourism in the Sri Aman and Betong divisions.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the bridge was the 14th of a total of 22 bridges being built by the Sarawak Government at an estimated cost of RM7 billion.

He said the opening of the bridge would not only improve connectivity between areas but also serve as a catalyst for the socioeconomic development of communities, particularly in rural areas.

“Today is a historic occasion for us in Sri Aman because, from now on, Batang Lupar 2 Bridge is open to the public and can be used for travel from Sri Aman to Betong and areas in northern Sarawak.

“This is a source of pride for the people of Sarawak, and we should be grateful to the Sarawak Premier for successfully securing funding to build 22 bridges at a cost of about RM7 billion,” he said.

He said this when met by the media after officiating at the bridge’s soft opening ceremony here on Saturday.

He said the 145-metre-long bridge was the highest bridge in Malaysia, while Batang Lupar 1 Bridge was the longest river-crossing bridge in the country.

Meanwhile, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the new road network had the potential to stimulate local economic activities, including facilitating the transportation of agricultural produce and food products to wider markets.

He said the availability of packaging centres and access to airports would also create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to expand the marketing of their products.

The opening of Batang Lupar 2 Bridge is expected to serve as a catalyst for the development of Sarawak’s coastal corridor, particularly by improving people's mobility, expediting transportation and stimulating economic activities in Sri Aman and surrounding areas. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng