BINTULU: The just-opened Bintulu-Jepak Bridge represents a series of significant infrastructure projects initiated by the Sarawak government through the Public Works Department ( JKR). According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, five major bridges in Sarawak are expected to reach completion this year. "The Batang Rajang Bridge (Sarikei) is expected to open to vehicles before Hari Raya this year; the Sungai Lingga Bridge (Sri Aman) is set for completion by June this year; and the Sejingkat Bridge (Kuching) is anticipated to reach completion in the first quarter of 2026. "The Batang Lupar 1 Bridge (Sebuyau), spanning 4.8km-the longest river bridge in Malaysia- is projected to be completed by end of 2025. “Batang Saribas 1 Bridge (Pusa) is scheduled for completion before Gawai this year,” said the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak in his speech for the soft-opening of the Bintulu-Jepak Bridge yesterday. It is informed that Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Opengis set to officially inaugurate the Bintulu-Jepak Bridge this July. “This project is clear evidence that the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government has never ceased in fulfilling its development promises to the people of Sarawak. "This bridge will yield benefits by boosting economic activities, especially tourism," added Uggah He said he and his team had visited the bridge Saturday night to admire its lighting and the panoramic views on both sides. "It was truly beautiful to see the city." However, he advised the public to exercise caution when stopping or enjoying the view from there. "The height is considerable, and the river below is very deep. I have been told that many ‘friends'' (crocodiles) are down there," he said. Adding on, Uggah said the new government administrative building for Bintulu Division, valued at RM 117.9 million and located in Jepak. should reach completion this year. "Another exciting project in the Jepak area that has been approved by the GPS government is the construction of a dual-carriageway road from the Bintulu-Jepak Bridge to the new Bintulu Airport, valued at RM 80 million." Uggah thanked the people of Bintulu for their patience, assistance and feedback. In this regard, he recalled when the road appeared to have been completed, many had asked when they could drive across the bridge. "The bridge, at the time, was ready, but JKR had to install fencing. My apologies to the public, as there were still some issues that needed to be resolved. That''s why we did not permit public access. But today, it is a historic moment for all of you, as you now have the opportunity to drive for the first time across our iconic bridge here in Jepak, Bintulu," he added. Among those present were Minister in the Premier''s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Uggah''s deputy ministers Datuk Aidel Lariwoo and Datuk Majang Renggi, assemblymen Johnny Pang, and Iskandar Turkee. "The Batang Rajang Bridge (Sarikei) is expected to open to vehicles before Hari Raya this year; the Sungai Lingga Bridge (Sri Aman) is set for completion by June this year; and the Sejingkat Bridge (Kuching) is anticipated to reach completion in the first quarter of 2026. Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas".