Sebauh poised for transformation after completion of bridge, says Kemena rep
SEBAUH (July 27): The Sebauh area may undergo a major transformation especially after the Sebauh Bridge is completed, said Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
The Kemena assemblyman said the bridge, which is nearing completion, would become a key game-changer in transforming the mobility and landscape of the area.
'We are also planning a new township on the opposite bank of the river,' he told reporters today after flagging off the Sebauh Powerboat Race 2025, which also marked the final day of Pesta Sebauh 2025.
Dr Rundi noted that once the new road from Sepadok to Bintulu is completed, travel time would be significantly shortened—making it more convenient for people to live in Sebauh while working or studying in Bintulu.
'It only takes 30 minutes now to drive from Bintulu to Sebauh. With better infrastructure, more people may choose to reside here. We are not just looking at Bintulu anymore—development must also spread to Sebauh and Tatau,' he said.
He urged the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) to prioritise development planning for Sebauh and nearby areas, and proposed building new roads to underserved rural communities such as Ulu Pandan, Jelalong and Tubau.
'With all these plans in motion, the current Sebauh Bazaar will become congested in the near future. We must give it a facelift and upgrade its facilities,' he said.
He also suggested turning the weekend market into a permanent agro-tourism attraction showcasing local seafood and agricultural products.
'This town shouldn't just be vibrant during Pesta Sebauh. We should promote it as a regular weekend destination. We want people to come not because we invite them, but because the location itself is a draw,' he said, calling on local authorities to think about how to attract and retain crowds beyond festivals and events.
Dr Rundi said the final stitching ceremony of the Sebauh Bridge was soon, and the bridge was expected to open before Christmas this year.
He said once operational, residents will no longer need to rely on ferries to cross Batang Kemena.
'In the meantime, I urge ferry services to be extended to Labang, while waiting for the Labang Bridge to be completed. This will ease mobility for rural residents who travel to Sebauh for daily needs,' he said.
He also reminded local residents to protect their native customary rights (NCR) lands amid rapid development and rising land value.
'Don't be tempted to sell. Once you give up your rights, you'll never get them back. As Sebauh grows, investors will come like ants to sugar,' he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Rundi expressed his joy at seeing such a big turnout for the festival this year.
'Hopefully next year we will celebrate at a brand-new waterfront, with a beautiful design that has already been approved by the Sarawak Cabinet. With the new waterfront, the environment will be more comfortable for visitors,' he said.
The 'Adong Belalai 777' boat crosses the finish line to clinch victory in the 5HP race category.
The event drew large crowds to the riverside festivities, which included a health run, big bike unity ride, powerboat race, 'bermukun' performances, and a 'Battle of the Bands'.
Addressing the postponement of this year's Sebauh regatta event, Dr Rundi acknowledged the challenges faced by the organisers and pledged better planning next year.
'We want to make the next edition more exciting and on a larger scale. The vision is to bring together various programmes into a single, grand celebration,' he said.
He also invited the public to attend the upcoming Bintulu AgroFest from August 23-31.
'The calendar is packed with events—Malaysia Day on Sept 16, the Bintulu Kite Festival on Sept 17…there's something for everyone,' he added. Dr Stephen Rundi Utom economic transformation sebauh Sebauh bridge
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