Abdullah: 'Thank you, it's like winning the World Cup'

TANJUNG MANIS, 8 Oct: "There is no better word I can say than thanks", said Deputy Minister in Sarawak's Department of Corporate Affairs, Explanation and UKAS, Datuk Abdullah Saidol, as the Paloh Batang Bridge now enters its final phase before opening to users.

He described the connection of the last leg of the 1.9 kilometre (km) bridge as a major achievement that would be likened to winning the World Cup, especially for the long-awaited community of Bruit Island.

He said the project was delayed for almost two years after two incidents of barge breaking a bridge pillar while construction work was underway.

"However, the rapid action and ongoing monitoring of the Department of Public Works (JKR) ensures that this project can be continued to the final stage as we are witnessing today", he said when met at the Connection Meeting of the Final Stage of Batang Paloh Bridge, near here, today.

The Council was finalised by the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (Infrastructure Development), Datuk Aidel Lariwoo.

According to him, the completion of Batang Paloh Bridge along with the 2.4km Lassa Muara Bridge will complete Bruit Island's connectivity network with the mainland, thereby benefiting over 12,000 residents in 14 settlements.

"These two bridges worth more than RM900 million not only shorten travel time, but also have a huge impact on the population who depend on fisheries and agriculture as their source of income.

Abdullah said the Sarawak Government spent more than RM11 billion from its own allocation to build the 900 km long Coastal Highway and 230 km long Second Trunk Road.

The two networks, he said, play an important role as a 'nerve system' connecting areas across Sarawak, thus making a significant impact on the growth of infrastructure development and provision of basic facilities, especially in rural areas of the state.

"It is also part of a network of over 900 km long coastal highways connecting the southern to northern parts of Sarawak, in addition to involving the construction of 21 major bridges", he said.

Proposals for the development of some 900 km long coastline, including the construction of several bridges such as Batang Paloh Bridge, were raised by Abdullah as Chairman of the Government Support Club along with representatives of the people of the coastal region when discussing the matter at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference in 2015.

In addition, four new bridges worth about RM20 million are being built to connect several villages in the north of Bruit Island, while over RM50 million was spent over 10 years to upgrade village roads and long houses in DUN Semop area.

Meanwhile, he added, much development will be carried out in the DUN Semop area, including construction of shopping malls, community halls and synagogues.

"In this regard, I would like to extend my appreciation to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) headed by Deputy Prime Minister Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embassy.

"At the same time, I also want to thank all the ferry workers who have been serving the community with patience and dedication", he said. -TVS