3 million vehicles use Lanang Bridge annually

SIBU: The number of vehicles crossing Lanang Bridge has hit three million a year.

This number reached 408,000 after the ferry service began in 1993, growing so fast that a decade later, the state government decided to replace the ferry service with Lanang Bridge.

At its earth breaking ceremony on Oct 22, 2003 officiated by then Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, The Borneo Post described the bridge as ‘Sibu’s Bridge of Vision’ for it to become a catalyst of growth in central Sarawak. Vehicles using Lanang Bridge to cross the river have multiplied five hundred fold.

Wong visualised at the earth-breaking ceremony that Sibu would become a metropolis with links to Mukah in one direction and Sarikei and Tanjung Manis in another. Sibu forms the core and its rim would expand as is already happening.

At the turn of the millennium, the number of vehicles crossing the river had continued growing.

In the year 2000, the number of vehicles reached 1.39 million, in 2001 (1.59 million), 2002 (1.85 million), 2003 (1.73 million), 2004 (1.64 million), 2005 (1.73 million), 2006 (1.65 million), 2007 (1.66 million), 2008 (1.87 million), 2009 (2.15 million) and 2010 (2.64 million).

Some 10,000 people from all walks of life will be attending the historical ‘Waiving of Lanang Bridge Toll’ ceremony to be held at 10.30am today.

Sibu Acting Resident Dr Zufar Yadi Brendan Abdullah said it would be officially declared by guest-of-honour, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Adenan Satem.

“Those attending the event include students, teachers, heads from various government departments, agencies and community leaders.

“They come from Sarikei, Bintangor, Kanowit, Julau, Pakan, around Sibu and those residing near Lanang Toll Bridge,” he said when met after inspecting the preparation for the ceremony yesterday.

The event is jointly organised by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Communication Sarawak, JKR Sibu Division, Chief Minister’s Department and Resident’s Office Sibu.

Those attending the event will be entertained by The Powertive dance group with refreshments provided.

Earlier at 8.30am, the Road Safety Campaign will be held near Lanang Toll Bridge and it will be jointly officiated by Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication, Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong and Minister for Local Government and Community Development, Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.

It will mean convenience for a lot of people, especially those who have less money to spend. A man with a lighter sack goes a longer way. As for me, I can save a lot. Working as a teacher in Bintangor, I usually come home to Sibu during the weekend and some other days of the week. On average, I use the bridge 15 times every month. I have been paying the toll for about four years and I could feel the burden, especially in the first year of being a teacher when I used to come home to Sibu every day. — Rose Wong, teacher

Abolishment of the Lanang toll is very good news indeed for the people of Sibu and its surrounding areas, especially the farmers from Bintangor. The market in Bintangor is not very good and many go to nearest place to seek a bigger market to earn a living. In this case, Sibu is the ideal choice. Despite the better market in Sibu, the toll is quite a burden to them because many have to make a few trips in a day and imagine how much they have to pay for the toll. With the abolishment of the toll, they can actually have more savings. As for me, I always travel and I use that bridge many times. So for me, it also means more savings for myself. I am really thankful to our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem and Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and the company involved for helping to make this abolishment of toll possible.” — Chris Hii, lawyer

The abolishment of the Lanang Bridge toll is a testimony of a leader who walks the talk. When Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem hinted at the government’s intention to review the toll rate in early March this year, he indicated that the rate could be reduced or abolished altogether effective June. The following month, in his rounding up speech during the last State Legislative Assembly, Adenan confirmed that the toll was to be totally waived effective from May 25. This goes to show that he is a leader from whom the people can expect to hear more good news in years to come. — Simon Seo, businessman

People are moved by the many changes brought about by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem since he took office. The abolition of the Lanang Bridge toll is one of the many good things he has done. It is the right thing to do to lessen the burden of the people, especially those who have to use the bridge daily. I believe people are looking forward to more good news from him. — Bunut Kubu, councillor of Kanowit District Council

The abolition of the Lanang Bridge toll is proof that we have a caring chief minister. I totally agree with the move as it would open up more economic activities for the people in the surrounding areas. Surely, it is good tidings for the Dayaks who will be celebrating Gawai soon. — Engkamat Kana, longhouse chief

There are two toll bridges in Sibu — the Lanang and Igan bridges. Both were turnkey projects. Under contracts with the government, the builders pay to build them and collect toll to cover the expenses. While the builder of Igan bridge — KTS Group of Companies — decided not to collect toll from Day 1, Shin Yang Group, which built Lanang bridge has decided not to collect toll after nine years. Both builders are Sibu-based. They feel the compassion to share prosperity with the people. Let’s pass on this spirit of selflessness. — Vincent Yu, bank officer

Not many towns in Malaysia have four major river bridges. Sibu is one. The four – Igan, Durin, Lanang and Lobaan bridges — are in the outskirts surrounding the town, linking all parts of Sarawak. Each costs millions of ringgit. This makes us proud to be “Anak Sibu”. Some townsfolk have been complaining that Sibu lacks development. But, aren’t we the luckiest people? Yes, Sibu aspires for more development. Let’s continue working together. We shall overcome. Sibu — a home where people are warm and hard working. — Lau Ing Kiiung, IT service engineer

The abolition of the toll will reduce the burden of the people especially those from Sungai Assan, Bintangor, Sarikei and all those needing to cross the bridge. This shows that our government is very caring and sensitive to the needs of the people. I also hope the government can improve the stretch of road leading to the four longhouses in Sungai Assan, which happens to be still without electricity and treated water supply. The rest of the longhouses in the area have been equipped with such amenities. — Paing Tawi, penghulu