Batang Igan Bridge to open March 15, one-minute crossing eases travel ahead of Hari Raya

Uggah (third right) along with other distinguished guests pose after shoveling cement on the prepared ground to mark the stitching ceremony of Batang Igan Bridge in Mukah on Feb 4, 2026. Photo credit: JKR Sarawak

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 4: Another historic milestone for Sarawak is set as the 1.4-kilometre Batang Igan Bridge in Mukah is ready to open to the public on 15 March, just in time for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

This follows the bridge’s Stiching Ceremony today, officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, marking the final phase of the strategic RM285.54 million project, which is set to transform travel and connectivity across the Mukah–Igan–Matu region.

In a statement on its social media, the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak said the bridge’s opening will completely end reliance on the Batang Igan ferry service, which previously took around 30 minutes to cross the river and often exceeding an hour during weekends and festive seasons.

An aerial of the nearly completed Batang Igan Bridge in Mukah on Feb 4, 2026. Photo credit: JKR Sarawak

With the new bridge, vehicles can cross Batang Igan in just about one minute, providing a safer and more efficient alternative.

“This bridge is a game changer for the rakyat, opening up socio-economic activities in the surrounding areas and enabling seamless access and connectivity to Mukah Division,” said Uggah, who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development.

Located near the Igan subdistrict in Matu District, the Batang Igan Bridge is part of the Coastal Road Network and the Second Trunk Road project.

The 1,439.4-meter-long bridge, built to JKR R5 standards with two single-carriageway lanes, is one of nine bridges expected to be completed in Sarawak this year. It serves as a key catalyst for rural connectivity and economic growth.

An aerial of the nearly completed Batang Igan Bridge in Mukah on Feb 4, 2026. Photo credit: JKR Sarawak

Previously, Igan District, about 50 kilometres from Mukah Town, could only be accessed via the ferry service. The bridge’s completion is expected to not only shorten travel times but also boost local economic activity, improve access to basic services, and enhance the well-being of the community.

JKR Sarawak reaffirmed its commitment to delivering every infrastructure project with quality, safety, and maximum benefit for the people, with the Batang Igan Bridge standing as a landmark achievement in the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen coastal connectivity along the Mukah–Matu–Daro corridor.

Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development and Dalat assemblywoman Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Dato Murshid Juanda Jaya, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affair and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine and JKR Sarawak director Datu Ir Cassidy Morris were among the distinguished guests present at the event. — DayakDaily