
Uggah praises progress of Batang Igan Bridge, expected completion this Dec
Uggah (second right) flanked by Mukah Resident Datu Kueh Lei Poh on his right and JKR director Dr Cassidy Morris, give the thumbs-up. Also seen is JKR deputy director Wisil Lichok (left).
MUKAH (April 23): The Batang Igan Bridge project is on schedule and progressing well, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He said this during a working visit to the site today, and he was accompanied by officials from the Public Works Department (JKR) and project consultants.
He expressed his satisfaction with the current pace of the RM285.5 million development, describing it as a 'good project with minimal issues'.
'We are very happy with the progress. The bridge is currently 82 per cent completed and only 18 per cent of the work remains,' he told reporters when met at the site.
The 1.4-kilometre bridge, which is part of the Sarawak Coastal Road Network, intends to significantly reduce travel time between Igan and Matu, which are currently only connected by ferry services that can take over an hour during peak periods.
'Our target is to complete this project by December 2025. Based on the briefing, we've advised the contractor to maintain a monthly progress rate of at least three per cent—at that pace, we're confident it can be delivered on time.'
Uggah said the state government has adopted a proactive approach to infrastructure delivery, with ministers and officials personally inspecting work sites to ensure timely completion.
He reaffirmed the Sarawak government's commitment to ensuring the bridge is completed on time, calling it a vital link to boost connectivity and economic development for residents in the region.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Borneo Post
Pan Borneo Highway construction from Beaufort to Sipitang progressing despite setbacks
Shahelmey presents rope to signify the handing over of the cows to a representative of the mosque/surau. PUTATAN (June 3): Construction of the Pan Borneo Highway from Beaufort to Sipitang is progressing, with Package 1 expected to be completed by 2026, according to Sabah Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya. 'Most of the road is completed, with only a few bridges and sections pending. I hope the Public Works Department (PWD) will monitor the project closely to ensure its timely completion,' said Shahelmey. However, Package 2 is facing several technical challenges, including issues related to time extensions and arbitration, which have slowed progress. 'I've been informed that several decisions have been reached, and we expect the pace of work to improve. Completion is anticipated around 2027. Again, I urge PWD to monitor the contractor's performance closely,' he added. Shahelmey also addressed a recent incident involving a burst water pipe at one of the road sections under Package 2. The damage required excavation work, during which a motorcyclist fell into the hole at night. 'Although warning signboards and barriers were installed, the motorcyclist accidentally swerved and fell into the hole. PWD has met with the rider, obtained a police report, and determined the incident was due to user negligence,' he explained. He emphasized the importance of effective traffic management during construction, reminding PWD staff and contractors to regularly check and reinforce safety barriers. 'Sometimes barriers become loose due to weather or wind, and are not properly restored. This must not happen. They need to be secured consistently,' Shahelmey said. He also urged road users to adhere to posted signs and regulations, such as speed limits and diversions, to ensure everyone's safety. On the arbitration matter, Shahelmey revealed that the contractor for Package 2 had disputed aspects of the department's design. 'These are contract management issues currently being addressed,' he concluded.


The Star
01-06-2025
- The Star
S'wak govt committed to rural growth, says Uggah
KUCHING: The increase in rural development allocation for this year's Sarawak budget is a reflection of the state government's unwavering resolve to narrow the rural-urban gap and ensure equitable growth. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said RM6.8bil had been allocated under the Sarawak 2025 Budget for rural development, which rose from RM5.695bil in 2024, indicating Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's clear commitment to uplift the well-being of the rural communities. In his message for the Gawai Dayak festival, which begins today, Uggah said the rural development focus has seen major bridge projects being implemented as growth catalysts. 'Five (bridges) have already been completed, including the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge in Pusa, Betong and others such as the iconic Bintulu Jepak, Muara Lassa, Marudi and Batang Rajang bridges. 'Six more, including the nation's longest river bridge – Batang Lupar 1 – are expected to be completed by year-end,' said Uggah, who is also the State Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Bernama reported. He said that Gawai Dayak should be accepted as a festival to bridge inter-racial relationships in Sarawak, which has been a pertinent essence for the state to continue progressing. 'Just as bridges connect our cities and villages, this Gawai season should also serve as a 'bridge' to strengthen the bond of friendship, unity and harmony among us all. Let us celebrate our diversity under the spirit of 'Segulai Sejalai' or Together in Unity,' he added.


The Star
31-05-2025
- The Star
S'wak govt aims for equitable rural-urban growth, says Uggah
KUCHING: The increase in rural development allocation for this year's Sarawak budget is a reflection of the state government's unwavering resolve to narrow the rural-urban gap and ensure equitable growth, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas He said that RM6.8bil had been allocated under the Sarawak 2025 Budget for rural development, which rose from RM5.695bil in 2024, indicating the State Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's clear commitment to uplift the wellbeing of the rural communities. In his message for the Gawai Dayak festival, which begins on Sunday (June 1), Uggah said the rural development focus has seen major bridge projects being implemented as growth catalysts. "Five (bridges) have already been completed, including the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge in Pusa, Betong and others such as the iconic Bintulu Jepak, Muara Lassa, Marudi and Batang Rajang bridges. "Six more, including the nation's longest river bridge - Batang Lupar 1 - are expected to be completed by year-end,' said Uggah, who is also the State Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development. He said that Gawai Dayak should be accepted as a festival to bridge inter-racial relationships in Sarawak, which has been a pertinent essence for the state to continue progressing. "Just as bridges connect our cities and villages, this Gawai season should also serve as a 'bridge' to strengthen the bond of friendship, unity and harmony among us all. Let us celebrate our diversity under the spirit of 'Segulai Sejalai' or Together in Unity,' he added. - Bernama