This will include the building of water treatment plants and the replacement of old pipes, Bernama reported.

“It has already begun. Under the people’s project, it is RM4 billion.

“This does not yet include the 13th Malaysia Plan, where we will add another RM600 million.

“To replace the old pipes to prevent them from bursting, we estimate the cost to be RM1.1 billion,” he said after launching the Batang Lassa bridge in Daro, Mukah, today.

The 2,430-metre-long bridge spanning Batang Lassa connects Daro to Pulau Bruit.

Work began on March 22, 2019 and was completed on Jan 9 this year.

It is a key component of Sarawak’s coastal road project and cost nearly RM600 million.

The bridge aims to improve land access for rural residents, particularly for those who previously relied on ferry services to cross the Batang Lassa river.

Abang Johari said with the construction of the Batang Paloh bridge, which will connect Pulau Bruit to Serdeng next year, economic opportunities will be boosted in the entire Rajang Valley.

“Don’t just rely on the local market. We need to think globally and use the internet to market our economic products abroad. This is how our income will increase,” he told youths there.

Sarawak deputy premier Douglas Uggah Embas, who was present, said nine bridge construction projects were currently under way in Sarawak and expected to be completed this year.

They are among 16 such projects being carried out at a cost of RM5.9 billion. Two projects have been successfully completed, namely the Marudi bridge and Muara Lassa bridge.

According to him, three of them are scheduled to be completed in March, namely the Rajang bridge, Bintulu-Jepak bridge (iconic cable bridge) and Lingga River bridge.

“In addition, other bridges expected to be completed this year include the Sejingkat bridge, Batang Lupar 1 bridge, Saribas 1 bridge, Kemena-Sebauh bridge, Limbang River bridge and Kemena River bridge in Sebauh, Bintulu.”

Five more bridges are expected to be completed by 2026, namely the Batang Lupar 2 bridge, Saribas 2 bridge, Krian bridge, Paloh bridge and Igan bridge.

“The Rambungan bridge in Kuching is expected to be completed in 2027.”

On the 896km coastal road, Uggah, who is also state infrastructure and port development minister, said the RM5.42 billion project will also be completed by 2027.

“The coastal road, connecting Lundu-Sempadi to Miri and passing through the Matu/Daro area, has reached the 80% completion stage,” he added.

Additionally, the second trunk road, which spans 225km, connecting Kuching and Sibu, is 30% completed and scheduled for opening by 2028.