The 1.7-kilometre bridge is expected to speed up the movement of residents and the transport of agricultural and marine produce to outside markets, easing the logistical constraints that have long hampered the island's economic activity.
Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas announced the bridge's opening at a recent sitting of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.
He said the Batang Paloh Bridge, together with the completed Muara Lassa Bridge, will strengthen the coastal road network and enhance Pulau Bruit's connectivity with Daro, Tanjung Manis, Sarikei and surrounding areas.
A Bernama survey found that residents welcome the bridge's opening, expected to end the hardship of waiting for ferries, especially during festive seasons and school holidays, when waits can stretch to several hours.
Kampung Semop resident Salleh Jamain, 53, said the bridge's opening is highly anticipated, as it would not only ease travel to Sibu and Sarikei but also potentially boost his income through the vehicle-repair service he runs on the side.
"I was very happy when I learnt the bridge would open at the end of the month, because trips to town will become faster and easier.
"I also did not want to miss the chance to witness this historic moment," he told Bernama.
Salleh hopes the facility will invigorate local economic activity, opening up more job opportunities and sources of income for residents.
For smallholder oil palm farmers, the bridge's opening brings even greater benefits, as deliveries of their produce to markets outside the island will no longer be subject to ferry operating schedules.
Smallholder Omarmayah Rosli said he uses four pickup trucks a day to deliver oil palm fruit to buyers in Sarikei, but the number of trips depends on ferry services.
"Right now, the number of trips is rather limited because we depend on the ferry. Once the bridge opens, we can deliver oil palm fruit at any time and make more trips.
"This will not only boost the income of smallholders but also that of workers and vehicle owners transporting the oil palm harvest," he said.
Meanwhile, Kampung Semop community chief Kamri Haron described the bridge's opening as a key turning point in Pulau Bruit's development, particularly in widening market access for agricultural and fishery produce and stimulating local business activity.
"This bridge does not merely connect Pulau Bruit to the outside world but is also a symbol of progress that opens up more economic opportunities for residents," he said. — BERNAMA
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