Batang Saribas 2 Bridge to open Dec 5

Uggah representing Abang Johari at the Regatta Tandang Sari 2026 held in Pusa on Oct 17, 2026.

By Doreen Ling

PUSA, Oct 17: Batang Saribas 2 Bridge is expected to open to traffic on Dec 5, with the 2.43-kilometre bridge serving as an important facility for strengthening connectivity among residents and creating opportunities for local economic activities.

According to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the opening of Batang Saribas Bridge 2 will complement Batang Saribas 1 Bridge, which was opened in July 2025, Sungai Krian Bridge (March 2026), and Batang Lupar 1 Bridge (May 2026)—marking important developments in improving connectivity between areas in this division.

“We want these infrastructure facilities to be fully utilised. With improved connectivity, agricultural and fishery produce can be marketed more easily, businesses can expand, and more visitors will have the opportunity to come to Pusa.

“These are among the benefits of development that must translate into higher incomes and improved well-being for the people,” he said at the opening ceremony of Regatta Tandang Sari 2026 held here today, where Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas represented him.

Abang Johari added that the RM10.098 billion development expenditure, including RM6.4 billion for rural development, allocated in the Sarawak Budget 2027 reflects the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s commitment to expanding basic amenities, strengthening connectivity, and ensuring people in rural areas also benefit from Sarawak’s development.

“Infrastructure development is also important in creating economic opportunities. Better road and bridge networks will facilitate people’s movement, reduce travel time and improve the transportation of agricultural and fishery produce,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said Pusa has strengths in agriculture, fisheries, and local community enterprises, and that it must be developed through a more structured approach to generate better incomes for residents.

He called for more local entrepreneurs to have the confidence to expand their businesses, improve product quality, and explore wider markets by utilising digital platforms that can also help small business operators promote their products to customers outside the district.

Additionally, he said younger generations must be given opportunities to participate in emerging economic sectors without neglecting the potential of traditional industries.

Speaking on the Regatta Tandang Sari, he said it could become a tourism attraction that introduces Pusa to visitors from other districts and beyond Sarawak.

“Events such as this provide us with an opportunity to showcase the heritage, culture, and identity of the local community. I hope the regatta can be combined with the promotion of traditional food, local produce, handicrafts, and cultural activities.

“In this way, the benefits of the event will be enjoyed not only by race participants but also by small traders, food operators and the local community,” he said.

He added that the 46 projects worth RM205 million being implemented in the Beting Maro constituency through the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) cover infrastructure development, social and women’s affairs, agro-food, entrepreneurship, utilities, and tourism.

“We want development to do more than transform the physical landscape of an area. It must also increase incomes, create opportunities for young people and strengthen family well-being. This is the development goal we must work towards together,” he said. — DayakDaily