“I am very satisfied with its progress. We expect it to be completed by the first quarter of 2025,” Uggah, who is also State Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), told reporters after visiting the project site today.

He was earlier given a briefing on its work progress by officers from the Public Works Department (JKR) and contractor representatives.

The 1.439 km long bridge is currently 47.28 per cent done although still behind its 51.18 per cent progress schedule due to a shortage of certain skilled workers and high-capacity cranes.

At the briefing, the contractor representatives gave an assurance that they will find the solutions soon.

“I am happy they have and will recruit more local folk … This will help to boost the local economy. At the same time, the contractor will be spared the problem of finding accommodation facilities,” he said, and added that this was a good example of how a government project can generate economic opportunities for the locals. 

Uggah also described the Batang Igan bridge as a ‘game changer’ for the Igan and Matu areas as it will greatly enhance accessibility there and increase economic activities.

Meanwhile, he said the JKR would continue to monitor the safety of ferry users in the state to ensure all SOPs regarding users’ safety are put into practice.

"So, we want the department to monitor ferry operations and to provide us with feedback on compliance by the operators. Let us not wait for another unfortunate incident to happen for us to step up on enforcement,” he added.

-- BERNAMA