KUCHING (June 20): Past setbacks involving cancelled projects under earlier federal administrations did not deter Sarawak’s determination to continue its development agenda, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the state government, under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), remains focused on delivering infrastructure development through its own financial strength and long-term planning.
He cited bridge projects that were previously cancelled but later revived and completed under the state’s initiative.
“People say that the Batang Lupar Bridge is beautiful and it is indeed. Sarawak, if we build something, it must be beautiful. The bridge was cancelled during the time of PH (Pakatan Harapan) when they were in government and the Finance Minister at that time also cancelled the funds. That is why there was no bridge.
“They thought we would not be able to build the bridge because the funding had been cancelled. Belum tahu lah, Abang Jo tok, mun nak celen I, I celen back (You will never know, this is Abang Jo, if you want to challenge me, I’ll challenge you back).
“So we are using our own funds, I look for initiatives and our revenue has increased, so we build bridges. Not just one Batang Lupar bridge, but two Batang Lupar bridges, Batang Lupar 1 and Batang Lupar 2,” he said in his officiating speech during the launch of Farley Garden Kuching on Saturday.
Abang Johari said several other bridge projects previously affected by funding cancellations were also revived under the state’s initiative, including Batang Rambungan and Batang Igan bridges.
He said a total of 22 bridges had been built over the past six years to strengthen connectivity between rural and urban areas.
“When there is road connectivity, development naturally follows, and when we develop rural areas, they will eventually become urban areas because the infrastructure is in place,” he said.
He added that improved infrastructure has had a direct impact on rural economies by improving market access and raising incomes.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s development momentum is supported by rising state revenue, enabling the government to continue financing major infrastructure projects independently.
He said ongoing road expansion projects, including links from Samarahan towards Tanjung Embang and Sebuyau, would further enhance regional accessibility and long-term development planning.
He added that Sarawak’s development approach also places strong emphasis on sustainability and energy transition, including the adoption of hydrogen and other green technologies in public transport systems.
He said these efforts are aimed at ensuring environmentally responsible growth while maintaining economic expansion and rural inclusivity.
Abang Johari also highlighted Sarawak’s plans to expand its regional trade network, including the establishment of a trade office in Pontianak, Indonesia, as part of broader cross-border economic cooperation. Source: BorneoPost
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