In anticipation of the completion of the Bintulu-Jepak Bridge, residents of Jepak are eagerly awaiting the upcoming elections on November 4th. The RM467 million bridge is expected to be completed by October 31, 2024, after construction began on April 3, 2019 with a scheduled completion time of 48 months. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, construction on the bridge had come to a halt.
The bridge holds significant importance for the 30,000 Jepak population, as it is expected to greatly improve the socio-economic conditions in the area. Mohamad Asraf Mohammaed Tudin, the PBB Jepak Youth Wing chief, expressed the sentiments of the residents, saying, “We are all waiting for the project as it is an important one that will improve the socio-economy of the 30,000 Jepak population.”
Asraf further highlighted the advantages the bridge will bring, stating, “We have been using Jalan Kemena to our place for years. But with the bridge, travelling time will be shortened by between 10 and 15 minutes. From Bintulu Airport, the distance will be reduced greatly from 25km to just 10km.”
The late Jepak assemblyman, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, was also involved in this state-funded project prior to his passing on September 15. Asraf mentioned that the completion of the bridge was a priority for Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who aims to stimulate development in the area.
Regarding the by-election, Asraf expressed the residents’ desire for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to continue governing the constituency. He said, “We hope the GPS candidate will win the seat so as to continue the work of our late assemblyman. We want Jepak to grow in tandem with the city. In the next 10 years, we hope Jepak will experience vast development under the new assemblyman from GPS.”
The GPS candidate, Iskandar Turkee, is currently participating in a three-cornered fight for the seat against Stevenson Joseph Sumbang of Parti Bumi Kenyalang and Chieng Lea Ping of Aspirasi.
