With the completion of major bridges and roads, people can now return home for festive seasons in shorter time, says premier

KUCHING, March 6 2026: The Sarawak government's bridge and road projects not only strengthen the state's transportation network, but also make it easier for people to return to their hometowns and strengthen family ties during the festive seasons.

 Premier Abang Johari Openg: This year, not many of our people will use ferries like in the Daro, Igan, Mukah, Betong and Sri Aman areas because we have completed many bridges. 

Premier Abang Johari Openg said that people now no longer need to worry about facing congestion on the ferry to return home for Hari Raya celebration because better and safer infrastructure facilities have been provided throughout the state.

He said many areas that previously relied on ferry services such as in Daro, Igan, Mukah, Betong and Simanggang are now having travelling time reduced  after the construction of several major bridges was completed.

"This year, not many of our people will use ferries like in the Daro, Igan, Mukah, Betong and Sri Aman areas because we have completed many bridges.

"This means that there is no longer any worry about going back to visit relatives in their respective villages," he said when speaking at the symbolic ceremony of handing over the 2026 Sumbangsih Raya at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.

In fact, he explained that the provision of a road network such as the Pan Borneo Highway which does not charge tolls will make it easier for people to travel back to their hometowns.

He added that the provision of a more efficient road network including the Pan Borneo Highway project which does not charge tolls will also provide facilities for people to travel long distances more smoothly and comfortably, especially during the festive season.

Also present were the Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian, Speaker Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development Fatimah Abdullah.