(Miri, 10th) With the new Marudi Bridge celebrating its trial launch today and opening to the public, the Baram region, particularly the communities of Baram and Marudi, have seen their long-awaited transportation improvements finally realized. The opening of this bridge not only symbolizes the end of ferry services but also serves as a catalyst for Baram's development and the enhancement of other transportation networks.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak, Datuk Edil Lariwu, stated that the bridge, built at the cost of RM116.5 million, allows Baram residents who previously relied on ferries to travel to Marudi to enjoy a more convenient mode of transportation.
“This bridge is only the first step in improving the region's transport network. Next, we plan to construct a new 42-kilometer R5 standard road from Miri Eastwood Valley Golf Club to Marudi Bridge.”
He mentioned at the press conference following the launch ceremony of the Marudi Bridge that the future new road will become the main route from Miri to Marudi, reducing travel distance by 20 kilometers and significantly enhancing regional transportation convenience.
Moreover, Edil Lariwu revealed that more road projects would commence next year to further enhance the connectivity of Sarawak's hinterlands.
He explained that these projects include a 76-kilometer road connecting Marudi Bridge directly to Kuala Mulu and a new road from Long Banga to Long Lama.
“Additionally, Phase Two of the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) also includes a 161-kilometer section from Mulu to Limbang Nanga Medamit, a 63-kilometer stretch from Long Lopeng to Bakalalan Long Komadand, and a 97-kilometer road from Rumah Align to Layun Long Merarang. These projects will be completed progressively within the five years of the 15th Malaysia Plan (RMK-15).”
The event was attended by guests including Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak, Datuk Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister of the Prime Minister's Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, Telang Usan State Assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau, and Baram Member of Parliament Datuk Anyi Ngau.
From left 2nd: Datuk Gerawat Gala, Datuk Penguang Manggil, Datuk Edil Lariwu, Datuk Anyi Ngau, and Datuk Dennis Ngau together with the Managing Director of Pekerjaan Piasau Konkerit (PPK) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Sunway Group, Jiang Liliang at the Marudi Bridge launch ceremony.
Besides the traditional Iban rice spirit ceremony, a lion dance was also performed to celebrate the trial opening of Marudi Bridge today.
The trial opening of the newly built Marudi Bridge today provides a more convenient mode of transportation for Baram residents who previously relied on ferry services to travel to Marudi.
It is reported that the ferry service providing transportation for Baram residents to Marudi has stopped at noon today following the trial opening of the Marudi Bridge.