By Alexander Nanta Linggi
I note the statements raised regarding the Ministry of Works' written response on the Batang Lupar Bridge, Batang Igan Bridge and Batang Rambungan Bridge Projects.
First of all, I would like to emphasize that the Ministry's written response is based on the Federal Government's official administrative records regarding the status of the projects at that time.
As stated, all three bridge projects were approved under the Tenth Malaysia Plan Rolling Plan before their implementation was postponed and later cancelled following policy changes and project re-evaluation by the Federal Government at that time.
During the same period, the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road Phase 1 (SSLR1) Project was introduced as one of the Federal Government's strategic projects to improve land connectivity between Sarawak and Sabah without going through Brunei and to open up the development potential of the interior areas.
However, it is important to understand that the SSLR1 project and the three coastal bridge projects are not the same project and do not have similar development objectives.
SSLR1 focuses on the development of a strategic road corridor connecting Sarawak and Sabah and opening up access to the interior areas in the northern part of Sarawak.
Meanwhile, the Batang Lupar, Batang Igan and Batang Rambungan Bridges, located along the western to central coastal areas of Sarawak, are infrastructure that directly benefits the community in the coastal areas by shortening travel times, improving road user safety and boosting local economic activities.
Therefore, the two initiatives are actually complementary to each other and should not be seen as competing projects or as replacing each other's functions.
For that reason, using the term 'replacing' the bridge project with SSLR1 is completely inaccurate because both projects target different localities and development needs and need to be understood in the right context.
I also note the view of the YAB Premier of Sarawak that the development needs of coastal areas and the development of strategic road networks inland are equally important to ensure a balanced and inclusive development of Sarawak. This view is in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Government to ensure that infrastructure development benefits all people according to the needs of each area.
At the same time, the Road Network Development Plan (HNDP) which was agreed through the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) is also part of Sarawak's more comprehensive and inclusive development agenda, focusing on strengthening strategic connectivity, opening up access to the interior and stimulating the development of regional economic growth.
Therefore, the construction of the three bridges complements the agenda.
The Ministry of Works appreciates the efforts of the Sarawak Government which has taken the initiative to continue the construction of these bridges using state funding to ensure that the needs of the people continue to be met.
As the Minister of Works, my commitment is to continue to work closely with the Sarawak Government in identifying the state's infrastructure development priorities, including considering new proposals submitted through official national development planning channels, subject to the consideration of central agencies and the financial capacity of the Federal Government.
Our goals are the same, which is to ensure that the people of Sarawak enjoy better infrastructure facilities, a more comprehensive connectivity network and greater economic development opportunities in the future.
Admin’s note: Alexander Nanta Linggi is the current Works Minister and Kapit Member of Parliament
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