KUCHING: The Sarawak Public Works Department has identified about 200 rural bridges in the state that need to be replaced or upgraded, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas today.
According to Uggah, tenders for 19 bridges, worth RM24.44 million, have already been issued, while tenders for another 10 bridges, costing RM37.45 million, will be rolled out later this year.
“Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has instructed the state Infrastructure and Port Development Ministry to replace old bridges and upgrade those in poor condition,” Uggah said after receiving three bailey bridges from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) on behalf of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) at Port Senari in Bako.
Uggah, who also serves as the state infrastructure and port development minister, said these projects are crucial to improving connectivity for rural communities. Many of the existing bridges, he added, were originally built by logging companies and are now in poor shape, particularly in Baram, Skrang, Selangau, Murum, and Belaga.
The state government is also in the process of converting abandoned logging tracks into state roads, he said.
Regarding the bailey bridges, Uggah noted that two will be installed in Baram, where bridges are frequently damaged by floods. These modular bridges can be assembled quickly to restore access.
“We will request Nadma to provide more assets, such as amphibious boats and additional bailey bridges,” said Uggah, who is also SDMC chairman.
Nadma director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah said the provision of the bridges is part of efforts to enhance disaster response logistics and asset readiness.
“This initiative ensures faster recovery during emergencies that damage critical infrastructure, such as bridges and roads,” he said.
