BETONG, Jan 20: The Batang Saribas 2 Bridge is expected to be opened to traffic next November, thereby improving connectivity and reducing travel time for local residents. Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said the project is an important strategic infrastructure to boost socio-economic activities in the surrounding area.

“This bridge will facilitate the movement of residents, transportation of goods, and local economic development. It is one of the state's major projects that we are closely monitoring,” he said in a statement on the JKR Sarawak Facebook page following a working visit to the project site on Tuesday.

The Sarawak Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) added that the bridge construction project has now reached 80.50 percent completion and is on schedule.

He added that the visit also provided him with the opportunity to receive a briefing from the project implementers on the current status, site challenges, and plans for the remaining work until full completion. He emphasized that continuous monitoring is key to ensuring the project is completed according to safety standards and technical specifications.

"The state government is committed to ensuring that this project is carried out efficiently and with quality, providing long-term benefits to the people," he said. This project is carried out by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) under the Sarawak Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) with the aim of providing modern and safe transportation facilities for the local community.

With the opening of this bridge, the areas around Batang Saribas are expected to see increased mobility for residents and economic activity, thereby supporting the state’s overall development agenda.-TVS