BETONG: The Batang Saribas 1 Bridge will be officially declared open this 19 July, marking a significant development in Sarawak’s infrastructure.

According to Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg will officiate the opening of the bridge in Pusa at 10:30 a.m.

He said this after chairing a meeting on preparations and the formation of an organising committee for the opening ceremony, here on Monday.

The Bukit Saban Assemblyman added that Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari will also launch the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA).

"We feel that it is most appropriate for him to launch the RM375.5 million bridge and the BDDA.

"The 1.55 kilometre-long bridge ends the people's 60 years wait for a bridge crossing Batang Saribas, which is now open for public use,” he said.

Commenting on BDDA, he said that the agency, established in September 2022, is one of the nine regional development agencies in Sarawak.

"It is high time to tell Betong folks of the progress it has achieved so far," he said.

The Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development further said the people of Betong wish to express their gratitude to the Sarawak Premier for the construction of the bridge as well as a generous allocation of RM1.5 billion to BDDA.

"The BDDA is a game changer and is on the path to fulfilling the people's expectation for more development, progress, and better life.

"I hope Betong folks will turn up in full force for the two functions. We are targeting a crowd of not less than 5,000,” he shared.

Also present were Member of Parliament for Betong, Dato Dr. Richard Rapu, Member of Parliament for Batang Lupar, Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, Krian Assemblyman, Friday Belik, Kalaka Assemblyman, Mohamad Duri, and Betong Division Resident, Richard Michael Abunawas. -UKASnews