PULAU BRUIT: The Batang Lassa Bridge has now become the main transportation lifeline for residents around Daro district and Pulau Bruit, providing a vital link across the Batang Lassa River.

According to Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Ir. Aidel Lariwoo, local residents are already reaping significant benefits from this new facility, which not only speeds up travel but also opens up greater economic opportunities.

"I would like to express my gratitude to all the elected representatives, especially those in the coastal areas, who have fought for the construction of the bridge and road networks to connect these areas with other regions since 2014.

"This is the proof that the requests and struggles of the elected representatives nearly 10 years ago have now become a reality," he said when met by reporters during the Pre-Launch Ceremony of the Muara Lassa Bridge here, on Thursday.

Earlier, Datuk Ir. Aidel represented the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas in officiating the event.

Meanwhile, he explained that with the completion of the Batang Lassa Bridge, the Muara Lassa Ferry service has officially been discontinued after operating for several decades.

Nevertheless, he did not rule out the possibility of the ferry service being used in other areas, particularly along the Batang Paloh and Batang Igan routes which could potentially face congestion especially during peak hours.

"Traffic is expected to concentrate on both ferry routes (Batang Paloh and Batang Igan).

"Therefore, I urge the Public Works Department (JKR) to consider adding more ferries at Batang Paloh and Batang Igan to accommodate the increasing demand for transportation.

"Both bridges are also currently under construction and will be completed soon,”he added.

Also present at the event were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) and Semop Assemblyman, Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Member of Parliament for Igan, Ahmad Johnie Zawawi, Tanjong Manis Member of Parliament, Yusuf Abd Wahab, Daro Assemblyman, Safiee Ahmad, Permanent Secretary to the Sarawak Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datu Chiew Chee Yau, JKR Sarawak Director, Dr. Cassidy Morris, and Mukah Division Resident, Datu Kueh Lei Poh. -UKASnews