KUCHING: Sarawak is expected to enter a more dynamic phase of infrastructure development when a total of 20 major bridges across the state are expected to be completed by 2028, paving the way for new economic growth in coastal and rural areas.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said the implementation of the project was a continuation of the network of main roads, bridges and the Pan Borneo project.

“By 2026 to 2028, all bridges including 20 main bridges including small bridges are expected to be fully completed.

"When all of them are completed, our focus will shift to the implementation of the next major development project," he said.

He said this while speaking at the Sarawak Bumiputera Consulting Engineers (GJPBS) Anniversary Ceremony and Engineer Awards 2025, here, on Wednesday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that after the phase of bridge and main road construction is completed, development will continue with several other strategic road projects, including the construction of the Northern Coastal Highway.

He explained that the projects will involve the construction of bridges, long viaducts and tunnels as the northern area of ​​Sarawak has a hilly and complex terrain, which requires high engineering expertise.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier stressed that the continued implementation of these infrastructure projects will open up wide job opportunities for various sectors including engineers, architects, contractors and others, thus directly impacting the state's economic growth.

“What we do is to inject state funds into the local economy to create more jobs.

"This is the state government's long-term policy to ensure that development continues to benefit the people," he said.

He added that the state's financial position remains strong with stable revenue projections after 2030, allowing the implementation of major infrastructure projects to continue in stages to strengthen the wellbeing of the people and the Sarawak economy.

Also present was GJPBS Chairman, Ir. Irwan Zulkarnain Datuk Mohd Hasbie. -UKASnews

Reporter: Grace John Lee
Translator: Nerissa Sia
Photographer: Hazrin Sunaini