Batang Paloh Bridge Opening Connects Isolated Pulau Bruit To Sarawak Mainland

MUKAH, Oct 30 – The long-standing transportation constraints facing residents of Pulau Bruit have come to an end following the official opening of the Batang Paloh Bridge on Friday, October 30, 2026.

The new infrastructure, combined with the previously completed Muara Lassa Bridge, establishes a direct dual-bridge road connection between the once-isolated island and mainland Sarawak via Mukah and Tanjung Manis.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas officiated the soft-opening ceremony at the bridge site, highlighting the drastic transformation in local accessibility compared to his initial visit in 2000, when residents relied entirely on riverboats and ferries.

“This will transform the way of life and provide excellent opportunities for the residents, given that this area was previously isolated,” stated Uggah, who also serves as the Sarawak Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development.

The commissioning of the bridge officially terminates the Batang Paloh ferry service, which had historically served as the primary transit link for island communities.

Uggah revealed that the Batang Paloh Bridge marks the 13th completed project out of 22 planned mega-bridges across Sarawak.

The overarching mega-bridge initiative carries an estimated total cost of RM7 billion, fully funded by the Sarawak State Government to modernize the state’s transport grid alongside the 890-kilometer Coastal Road project and the Second Trunk Road network.

Coastal Connectivity Grid, Infrastructure Scale, and Economic Impact

Key technical specifications, funding models, and regional connectivity milestones include:

• Dual-Bridge Integration: Batang Paloh Bridge works alongside the Muara Lassa Bridge to fully integrate Pulau Bruit into the mainland highway network.
• Ferry Decommissioning: Replaces the historic Batang Paloh ferry service, ending decades of water transport reliance for local travel.
• State Mega-Bridge Program: Represents the 13th completed bridge out of 22 planned mega-bridge structures under Sarawak’s RM7 billion self-funded infrastructure initiative.
• Broader Coastal Network: Integrated into the upgrading of the 890km Sarawak Coastal Road and Second Trunk Road projects to boost rural economic growth.

–NMT