Two key Long Banga-Bario bridges restored, interior communities reconnected by land

MIRI (March 6): Two critical bridges along a former Baram logging road on the Long Banga-Bario corridor have been successfully restored, bringing much-needed relief to interior communities that had been cut off from essential land connectivity.

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala announced on Facebook that the Sungai Peluan Bridge has been replaced with a new steel bridge, whilst the Sungai Baleh Bridge has been rebuilt using a Bailey Bridge procured through the support of the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

The restoration comes after the Sungai Baleh Bridge was washed away towards the end of 2024, severing the only land connection between the communities of Bario and Kelapang.

The incident caused widespread disruption to the movement of people, transportation of essential supplies, and daily lives of residents across these remote highland areas.

As an immediate response, a temporary log bridge was constructed to maintain basic connectivity whilst a permanent solution was arranged.

Gerawat credited the strong commitment of Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas alongside the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) in securing Nadma’s approval for the Bailey Bridge, which was subsequently installed by JKR.

“This collaborative effort has successfully restored a crucial transport link for the people of the highlands,” he said.

However, infrastructure works along the corridor are far from over as several bridges are currently undergoing repairs and upgrading, including the crossing over Sungai Baram at Long San — a vital link connecting communities across the Baram region and the highland interior.

Gerawat added that with the approval of the Sarawak Cabinet, former logging roads across the Baram highlands will be progressively upgraded into safer roads in line with the broader long-term vision to improve connectivity, strengthen economic opportunities, and uplift the quality of life for rural communities.

“The people of Baram deserve the same opportunities for progress and development as those in our urban centres. Connectivity is not merely about roads and bridges — it is about ensuring that no community in Sarawak is left behind,” he said.

He said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak government remains unwavering in its commitment to ensure that rural and interior communities are not left behind in the state’s development agenda.

Gerawat also thanked contractors who completed the works ahead of schedule, road users for their patience during the construction period, and the community for consistently providing feedback on road and bridge conditions throughout the Baram area.

Gerawat Gala lead Long Banga-Bario onsite Sungai Baleh Bridge Sungai Peluan Bridge