Two Bridges Open New Chapter For Pulau Bruit In Sarawak

MUKAH, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Pulau Bruit has finally resolve its connectivity constraint that long hindered the movement of its residents with the opening of the Batang Paloh Bridge today which connects the island to the mainland via two bridges.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the connectivity provided by the Batang Paloh Bridge and the Muara Lassa Bridge brings a major transformation to an area that was once isolated, thereby opening up broader economic opportunities for the local community.

He noted that the change is stark compared to when he first visited the area in 2000, a time when travel was difficult and residents relied entirely on water transport.

“This will transform the way of life and provide excellent opportunities for the residents, given that this area was previously isolated,” he said at the pre-opening ceremony for the Batang Paloh Bridge here today.

Uggah, who also serves as the Sarawak Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, added that the opening of the bridge marks the end of the ferry service at Batang Paloh, which had long served as a vital link for the local community.

 “Today, the ferry at Batang Paloh becomes a piece of history. That is why we took a photograph earlier to capture this moment as part of the history of development progress in this area,” he said.

According to him, the Batang Paloh Bridge is the 13th to be completed out of a total of 22 mega-bridges which costs approximately RM7 billion, fully funded by the Sarawak government.

He explained that the development of these bridges is part of the state government’s initiative to overhaul Sarawak’s connectivity network, alongside the upgrading of the Coastal Road (spanning approximately 890 kilometres) and the construction of the Second Trunk Road.

He added that the state government’s ability to secure funding has enabled the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects, effectively connecting areas that were previously difficult to access.

-- BERNAMA