Prime Minister Presides Over New Bridge Opening Ceremony, Remembers Late Wife's Sacrifice and Support

(Bintulu, 24th) "The loved one who could not witness the completion of the Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge was my wife. Although Bintulu is her birthplace, Allah loves her more."—This was the heartfelt tribute made by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as he remembered his late wife, Datin Patinggi Dr. Dayang Juma'ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, during the bridge's opening ceremony last night.

This landmark bridge, connecting Bintulu city center and Jepak, was officially opened last night. In his speech, Abang Johari expressed his gratitude and longing for his wife's selfless dedication. He said that although his wife was born in Bintulu, she could not witness the fruition of this major project to which he devoted years of effort, and which aims to spur the development of Bintulu and Sarawak.
“During my time as Premier, and even before as a Minister, I often had to juggle between public service and family. I am grateful to my wife, who was willing to sacrifice time spent with me so I could dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the people,” he said.
The Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge, which cost RM466.7 million to construct, has now become a vital transportation hub driving economic advancement for Jepak and its surrounding areas.
“This was one of the sacrifices made by my wife. Although she did not live to see this achievement, tonight, I am witnessing the inauguration of the bridge with our daughter Dayang Norzihan in remembrance of her,” he said.
The late Madam Juma'ani, aged 76, was the daughter of Sarawak’s second Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Bujang, and passed away at 3:34 am on June 23 this year at Normah Medical Centre in Kuching.
Abang Johari also recalled that he took over as Sarawak Premier in 2017, succeeding the late Adenan Satem (Tok Nan), when he began to push forward with this grand project.
“When I met with the people of Bintulu back then, I promised to carry on the legacy of previous leaders, especially the late Tun Rahman Yaakub and the late Tun Pehin Sri Taib Mahmud's vision for development.”
“I once promised to build a landmark bridge like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, connecting Bintulu and Jepak, to drive the ‘second wave’ of development and move office and administrative centers to Jepak.
Tonight, I have fulfilled that promise.” he said.
He added that the establishment of a comprehensive road network would bring more modern housing projects to Jepak, including affordable housing, business centers, and essential infrastructure such as electricity and clean water supply.