Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg said this today, adding that it was the vision of former chief minister, the late Adenan Satem, to replace the ferry services including the Triso ferry service by constructing bridges which connects Meludam and Sebuyau.

He said the state and federal governments had agreed to construct a bridge across the Sungai Batang Lupar to replace the Triso ferry service and that the then prime minister Najib Razak had also agreed to finance 50% of the construction cost.

However, he said, the allocation was cancelled after Pakatan Harapan took over the government.

“We have decided to finance the bridge using state funds. An earth-breaking for the Batang Lupar Bridge will be held soon,” Abang Johari told reporters.

“It is expected to be completed within four to five years as it is about 7km long.

“Besides, he (Adenan) had also wanted all these bridges to be toll-free to ease the burden of the people. So, I will continue this policy,” he said.

The announcement comes in the wake of a tragedy that occurred on Jan 1, when nine members of a family, including a four-month-old baby, were killed when their vehicle fell into Sungai Batang Lupar from a ferry at the Triso Jetty.

Abang Johari said other bridges were currently in various stages of planning and construction. This includes bridges at Batang Paloh, Batang Lassa, Batang Igan, Batang Saribas, Krian, Kemena, and Batang Rambungan.

“I expect all these bridges to be completed by 2025, then, we no longer have to rely on the ferry services,” he added.