The Sarawak premier said the two-lane cable-stayed bridge would not only offer scenic views of the South China Sea but would reduce travel time between Pulau Melayu and the Marina to five minutes from the current half an hour.

“This landscape upgrade in Miri, with its iconic facilities and connectivity infrastructure, aligns with the city’s image as the resort city of northern Sarawak, putting it on par with other tourist destinations,” Abang Johari was quoted as saying by the Borneo Post.

He said this at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Miri Waterfront Commercial Centre.

The construction of the 650-metre bridge, styled after the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

It will take four years to complete.

Separately, the Dayak Daily quoted Abang Johari as saying that the project is expected to boost tourism and the local economy as well as resolve congestion issues.