Datuk Julaihi Narawi
THE State Budget 2018, which will also cover the development of coastal roads, will facilitate efforts to complete the roads which were now being separated by rivers.
According to Assistant Minister of Coastal Road, Datuk Julaihi Narawi, building bridges is the most efficient way to connect coastal roads instead of using ferry as is still being done at several crossings now.
“The missing link of coastal roads now is bridges.
“So when bridge construction is included in the budget, this effort is especially welcomed by us (elected representatives) who represent coastal areas,” he said when met on the sidelines at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here yesterday.
Julaihi, who is also Sebuyau assemblyman, pointed out that eight bridges have been identified and approved by the government for construction to complement coastal roads.
“Among the bridges identified will be those to be constructed at Sungai Batang Lupar, Sungai Saribas, Sungai Krian, Sungai Kemena, Sungai Batang Lassa, and Sungai Batang Paloh.”
During the tabling of the State Budget 2018 at DUN Sitting yesterday, Chief Minister Abang Johari announced that a total of RM409 million has been proposed for the implementation and completion of various projects to improve connectivity in the state.
For this purpose, more roads, bridges and jetties would be built among them Sg Limbang Bridge, Sg Bunut No.2 Bridge and connecting roads in Limbang; Batang Lupar Bridge, Samarahan/Betong; Long Lama Bridge, Batang Baram in Miri; proposed bridges over Batang Kemena at Jepak and Sebauh, Bintulu division; Marudi Bridge over Batang Baram, Miri; road leading to Tapak Kaul, Mukah; Jalan Ijok/Teguyo/Lempaong/Batu Pesok/Rantau Layang, Betong; Sg Bako Bridge to Kampung Bako, Kuching; Datuk Temenggong Abang Kipali Abang Akip Interchange via Shallow Underpass, Kuching; riverwall at Kapit; Sg Kanowit, Sibu; and Fort Hose, Marudi in Miri.