PM to declare open Batang Sadong bridge on Dec 18

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The Batang Sadong bridge.

The Batang Sadong bridge.

KUCHING: Batang Sadong bridge, the longest in Sarawak, will be officially opened on Dec 18 when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak officiates at its opening ceremony at Sadong Jaya.

It is also the longest bridge across a river in Malaysia.

According to a statement from the State Protocol and Public Relations Unit (Uppan) of the Chief Minister’s Department yesterday, the 1.48km-long bridge was completed in October this year after construction began in July 2012.

With the completion of the bridge spanning across Sadong river, travelling time from Kuching to Sibu will take only five hours.

Before the bridge was completed, the journey took seven to eight hours.

“Upon arrival at the site, the Malaysian premier (Najib) will be given a briefing on the background of the bridge before delivering his speech.

“Also speaking at the grand event will be Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem and Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusuf,” the statement said.

Najib will then fly to Miri to launch another eight packages of the on-going Pan Borneo Highway project (from Sematan to Miri) at the Miri Eastwood Valley Country Club.

He is also expected to witness a work agreement signing ceremony by ten works package contractors and to present to them contract letters, letters of awards and/or letters of intent.

Yesterday morning, Uppan director Datuk Khir Busrah chaired a meeting at the State Legislative Assembly complex to finalise details and preparations pertaining to these two events.