Proposed Tanah Putih–Parit Bugis bridge, road upgrades to enhance Sarikei's agropark plans, says Premier
Abang Johari speaks during the Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Bin Tuanku Othman Bridge opening ceremony today. – Ukas photo
SARIKEI (May 17): A new bridge linking Tanah Putih and Parit Bugis across the Batang Rajang River will be constructed to support the revitalisation of the agricultural sector and the development of a modern agropark in the region, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
This initiative, he added, aligns with Sarawak government's ongoing efforts to enhance rural infrastructure and improve accessibility for local communities, while reaffirming the state government's commitment to improving connectivity in the area, including plans to upgrade the road leading to the agropark.
'At our recent meeting, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, informed me that the road to the agropark is still in poor condition. Since the agropark is designed to be modern, the access road must also meet that standard.
'We have therefore decided to upgrade the road, and this includes the construction of the bridge to Parit Bugis, which is located nearby,' he said in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report during the official opening of the Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Bin Tuanku Othman Bridge today.
Once a hub for traditional farming, Abang Johari said the area continues to produce agricultural goods and has now been earmarked as a prime site for agropark development.
This, he added, reflects its potential to be transformed through structured and modern agricultural initiatives.
In addition, Abang Johari announced two proposed infrastructure projects: the upgrading of the Bintangor–Sarikei road and the construction of a new route from Jalan Pasi to the Pan Borneo Highway.
'For the Bintangor–Sarikei road, we will seek funding either through the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) or via the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA).
'The road connecting Jalan Pasi to the Pan Borneo Highway will also proceed. While the project is costly, political stability and public unity will help us achieve this goal,' he said.
Earlier, Len Talif submitted proposals to upgrade a 14-kilometre stretch of the Bintangor–Sarikei road from JKR U3 to U5 standards, along with plans for an 11-kilometre JKR U3 road connecting Jalan Pasi to the Pan Borneo Highway.
Also present at the event were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; State Minister of Utility and Telecommunications Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii; Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Abdullah Saidol; State Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo; Deputy State Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel; State Infrastructure Ministry Permanent Secretary Datu Chiew Chee Yau, State Public Works Department (JKR) director Dr Cassidy Morris, and other officials and invited guests. abang johari agropark Batang Rajang lead new bridge Parit Bugis Tanah Putih
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