Sungai Bintangor Bridge officially opens to public, joins Kuching's cityscape as iconic new landmark

Borneo Post

a day ago

KUCHING (Aug 5): The much-anticipated Sungai Bintangor Bridge was officially launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in a ceremony held at the bridge site at 8.30pm this evening.
Upon his arrival, Abang Johari attended a briefing session before delivering his speech, where he hailed the project as an engineering masterpiece and a potential tourism draw for Kuching, likening it to iconic bridges in Europe.
'This bridge reminds me of the iconic bridge one sees in places like Rotterdam. I think we now can say we have our own Rotterdam in Kuching now.
He described the bridge as a catalyst for modern urban development and a symbol of smart city progress in the state capital, expressing hope that the surrounding areas would be further developed and beautified to benefit local communities.
During the event, Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and Petros) and Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki proposed renaming the bridge after the Premier's late wife, Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, as a gesture of gratitude for her contributions to the people of Satok.
'I am sure with this name suggestion for the bridge, the Premier will agree with it. This name suggestion is also as a sign of gratitude to the sacrifices made by the late wife of the Premier to the people of Satok,' said Ibrahim.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah also addressed the audience, calling the bridge 'iconic' and one of its kind in Malaysia in terms of design.
Located along Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol, the new bridge spans the width of Sungai Bintangor and serves as a crucial addition to Kuching city's road network.
The cable-stayed structure, featuring a four-lane dual carriageway and an iconic central tower with intricate carvings, is set to become not only a vital traffic conduit but also a new urban landmark and tourism draw for the state capital.
Fully funded by the Sarawak government, the RM50.6 million bridge began construction in December 2019, but progress was hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic and challenges in relocating underground utilities, leading to several delays.
Spanning 114.34 metres, the bridge also comes with upgraded sections of Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol, enhancing connectivity for residents in Satok and surrounding neighbourhoods.
It is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the area by providing an alternative route for motorists.
The project is among the Sarawak government's high-impact infrastructure initiatives aimed at boosting regional development and strengthening Kuching's urban mobility network.
The bridge was actually partially opened to the public in February this year.
Also present during the ceremony were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sik Kui Hian, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and other officials.