Batang Lupar 1 recognised as longest river-crossing bridge in Malaysia
- BT
- 8 minutes ago
- 3 min read
SEBUYAU, 10 July 2026: The Batang Lupar 1 Bridge was officially recognised yesterday as the longest river-crossing bridge in Malaysia during an official launching ceremony, a testament to Sarawak’s landmark achievement in significantly improving connectivity along the state’s coastal corridors.
Paid for entirely by the Sarawak State Government at the cost of RM848.75 million, the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge measures at 4.844-metres long and connects the Sebuyau and Triso sides of the Batang Lupar River, providing a critical, safe and uninterrupted connectivity while reducing dependency on the Sebuyau-Triso ferry service.
The official launching ceremony, which was graced by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, took place on the Sebuyau side of the bridge, and was attended by hundreds of Sarawak’s civil servants.
“The Batang Lupar Bridge 1 is the most strategic bridge along the Sarawak Coastal Road, which had already transformed development in the surrounding areas. Traffic flow, especially in Sebuyau, is now very heavy. The town now experiences high traffic, and eateries are full – showing the significant changes in Sebuyau, Meludam, Pusa and the surrounding areas brought about by the bridge,” shared Minister of Utility and Telecommunication and DUN Assemblyman for Sebuyau, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi during his opening statement.
“Due to its location, the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge is one of the most challenging engineering feats in Malaysia. Complex geological conditions, strong currents and the presence of Triso Island required advanced engineering solutions, including the largest launching gantry for girder installation and the tallest piling barge ever deployed in Malaysia,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
According to the Premier of Sarawak, the bridge serves as a lasting reminder that development can be achieved through unity, perseverance and competent leadership. “The cancellation of bridge projects needed for the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road project was a challenge for us, but due to how important they are, we decided to proceed using state funds. A total of 21 bridges were planned, and we have completed a total of 11, with 6 more scheduled for completion this year.”
Yesterday’s launching also saw the kicking off the Sarawakku Sayang Premier Convoy, which saw the Premier leading hundreds of motorists in his iconic electric blue bike along the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge, before heading towards Sibu for the Sarawakku Sayang programme, happening July 10 to 12.
You can read more on the newly completed Batang Lupar 1 Bridge in BorneoTalk Vol.81 (July – September 2026) on page 46, 47 and 49. Download your free copy here https://www.borneotalk.com/e-magazine
