Abang Johari (centre) cuts the ribbon to symbolically officiate at the opening ceremony of Bako Bridge, alongside (from left) Dr Hazland, Dr Jerip, Julaihi, Dr Sim, Snowdan and Wan Junaidi. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: It is necessary to construct bridges and roads to provide connectivity for people living in rural and coastal areas, says Assistant Minister of Coastal Road Datuk Julaihi Narawi.
According to him, around 60 per cent of Sarawak’s population live in coastal areas and these areas are in need of roads and bridges for connectivity.
“That is why the Sarawak government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, has always strived to build more roads and bridges in the rural and coastal areas in the state for the benefit of the people,” he said at the official opening of Bako Bridge by Abang Johari yesterday.
Abang Johari (front, third right) shows his thumbs-up prior to seeing the just-completed Bako Bridge. With him are (front, from right) Wan Junaidi, Julaihi and Dr Hazland. — Photo by Sia Teck Chai
Julaihi pointed out that although the federal government had decided to defer the construction of several bridges in Sarawak, the Sarawak government had decided to take over the construction of Batang Rambungan and Batang Lupar bridge projects.
“The people in rural and coastal areas need bridges for connectivity, and that is why we are thankful that the chief minister has agreed for the continuation of these bridge projects.”
Julaihi cited the construction of Bako Bridge as a prime example of how the Sarawak government strove to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas in Sarawak.
“Kampung Bako is a village located in a coastal area and that is why the late Tok Nan (fifth chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem) initiated this project to provide direct land access for residents living in this area.
“Today (yesterday) this 280m concrete bridge project is now a reality, thanks to the state government led by Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari.”
Meanwhile, Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Hipni expressed his appreciation to the Sarawak government for the construction of Bako Bridge and the road access to Kampung Bako.
“The completion of this bridge will no doubt improve the quality of life and socio-economy of residents at Kampung Bako as well as those living in nearby villages,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Assistant Minister of Transportation Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Santubong MP Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.