MIRI – Five days after the tragedy at the Triso ferry point, chief minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg today announced that the state government will construct concrete bridges to replace ferry services in Sarawak.
On New Year’s Day, nine people in a family drowned at the ferry point in Sg Batang Lupar in Saratok after their vehicle plunged into the river during an attempt to board the ferry.
Speaking at a community hall opening ceremony at Batu Kawa township, he said the state government will spend RM5 billion for these bridge projects.
“The state government will build bridges at every ferry crossing in this state, including at Sg Batang Lupar.
“The Batang Lupar bridge was supposed to have been built as it was proposed during the time when (Datuk Seri) Najib (Razak) was prime minister.
“It was supposed to be funded by both the state and federal governments on a 50-50 joint venture.
“However, the Pakatan Harapan withdrew funding after it took over the federal government (in 2018),” he said.
Johari said the Batang Lupar bridge will be completed by 2025, and other major bridges will be built at Sg Lassa, Sg Paloh, Sg Saribas, Sg Krian, and Sg Kemena.
There are at least 12 major river crossings in Sarawak plus dozens of smaller tributaries where there are still no bridges. – The Vibes, January 5, 2021
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