Abang Jo borrows police bike to cross Baram river on new bridge

 

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg using a police escort’s motorcycle to cross the new bridge across the Baram river. (Ukas pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg has inaugurated a recently-completed bridge across the Baram river by borrowing a police escort motorbike to ride across the RM116.5 million new structure.

Abang Johari quipped that he had to show the police that he had a valid motorcycle driver’s licence before being allowed to ride the vehicle, Dayak Daily reported.

“The bridge is marvellous and the scenery on both sides is breathtaking. I must congratulate the people of Marudi and say, well done,” he was quoted as saying.

The new 650-metre bridge across the Baram river shortens travel times by ending the need to use ferries. (JKR pic)

The Sarawak premier said the new 650-metre bridge shortens travel time between Marudi and Miri to about an hour and eases access to essential services.

He said it also meant that residents no longer had to be reliant on ferries to cross the Batang Baram.

The project was completed in November, seven months ahead of schedule.

“When I assumed office as premier, it was my intention to close the gap between Marudi and Miri. Today, with the trust placed in me, we have achieved this. Complaints about Marudi being far and inaccessible are now history,” said Abang Johari. - FMT