No more ferries, less diesel use: Batang Lupar 1 Bridge set to open in May 2026

Abang Johari (centre) receives a token of appreciation from Kameri while other dignitaries look on during the DUN Lingga’s Economic Forum 2026 held at Sri Aman Civic Centre on April 12, 2026. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (Japen)

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 12: Sarawak’s push to reduce reliance on diesel-powered ferry services will see another milestone with the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge expected to open this May.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg noted that current geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States have disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to a spike in global diesel prices.

“Fortunately, we have built many bridges. Batang Lassa no longer has a ferry, Baram-Marudi no longer has a ferry.

“Soon, Batang Lupar 1 will also have no ferry this May. That means no ferries, no diesel usage,” he said when speaking at the DUN Lingga Economic Forum 2026 held at the Sri Aman Civic Centre, broadcast live on Facebook by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).

He said without such early planning, the State would be heavily affected by rising fuel costs, as ferry operations rely on diesel and ultimately place a financial burden on the people.

The Batang Lupar 1 Bridge in Sri Aman is expected to become Malaysia’s longest river-crossing bridge, with a total length of 4,884 metres.

Meanwhile, on energy supply, he said Limbang and Lawas previously relied on diesel-powered generators for electricity, costing the State about RM150 million annually.

He noted that the sharp increase in global diesel prices, reportedly up to three times higher, would have pushed the cost to around RM450 million if no alternative energy solutions were in place.

Lawas has stopped using diesel for electricity since December last year, while Limbang is expected to fully transition by July this year.

“This is due to our early planning. We know that energy is very important for the economy. We have started promoting hydrogen and other alternative energy sources, including solar, hydro and biomass. So, we are no longer using diesel engines,” he added.

At the same time, Abang Johari said the claim that Kuching-Sri Aman can be reached within one hour to one hour 15 minutes is based on actual distance and completed infrastructure.

“When I said Kuching-Sri Aman can be reached in one hour 15 minutes, people questioned it. Today, it takes about two and a half hours via the Pan Borneo Highway, or almost three hours with stops.

“But from Kuching via Sejingkat, through the completed Sejingkat Bridge, then Samarahan and Sebuyau to Sri Aman, the distance is 142km. If you drive at about 90km per hour, you can reach in around one hour 10 to 15 minutes. This is based on facts, not imagination,” he explained.

He added that ongoing and future infrastructure projects such as the Batang Lupar 2 Bridge and Lingga Bridge will further enhance connectivity between Sri Aman, Samarahan and Kuching.

“Previously, Sri Aman was bypassed. People travelled to Sarikei via the Betong bypass. But now we have the Serian-Gedong dual carriageway, Gedong to Rembus, Samarahan to Sebuyau, and directly to Sri Aman,” he said.

Also present were Sarawak Minister of Utilities and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor; and Anak Perantau Simanggang chairman Datu Kameri Affandi. — DayakDaily