Sejingkat Bridge Boosts Kuching-Samarahan Connectivity
Sarawak’s infrastructure development reached a major milestone on 5 October 2026 with the official opening of the Sejingkat Bridge to the public. Built at a cost of RM365.7 million, this vital crossing over the Sarawak River establishes a direct link between the Sejingkat industrial area in Kuching and Tanjung Bako in Samarahan.
As the 12th completed project under Sarawak’s ambitious program to build 21 mega bridges, the new structure represents far more than concrete and steel. It is a transformative gateway that is already reshaping daily commutes, local business logistics, and regional connectivity.
Sejingkat Bridge's Design
Stretching 1,281 metres (1.28 kilometres) across the river, the Sejingkat Bridge is part of the Second Trunk Road infrastructure development planned to improve Sarawak’s road connectivity network. Construction began in 2021 and was completed and opened to road users on 5 October 2026.
Beyond its functional utility, the bridge stands out as an iconic visual landmark. Supported by 14 piers, its defining architectural feature is a pair of diamond-shaped pylons that rise 94 metres above the deck. This design is the first of its kind in Malaysia and is expected to earn a spot in the Malaysian Book of Records.
Faster and Easier Travel
For years, travelers moving between Kota Samarahan and Kuching’s western side endured severe daily congestion, relying heavily on the overburdened Samarahan Expressway and driving through the city center.
With an anticipated traffic volume of 15,000 vehicles per day, the Sejingkat Bridge is drastically shortening trip durations. Commutes between Tanjung Bako and areas such as Demak Laut, which previously took up to an hour, are now significantly reduced. For workers heading to the Sejingkat industrial zone, students, and families traveling toward Petra Jaya or Kuching International Airport, the route provides lower fuel costs, reduced transit stress, and more time back in their day. On the impact of the bridge on residents in the surrounding area, they would have easier access and road options to work, industrial areas, and the airport.
Supporting Local Businesses
The benefits of the Sejingkat Bridge extend well beyond personal travel; it serves as a powerful economic catalyst across the corridor. By improving access between communities on both sides of the river, the bridge allows small business owners, farmers, and aquaculture operators to move goods and reach customers with far greater ease.
Looking Ahead to a Fully Connected Sarawak
While commuters may experience initial pressure points as surrounding access roads are further upgraded, the long-term potential for the area is substantial. Sarawak is aiming for late 2027 to complete the remaining nine mega bridges along its coastal and trunk road routes, advancing toward its goal of connecting nearly all villages in Sarawak by 2030.
Ultimately, the Sejingkat Bridge marks a major step forward, bringing people closer to employment, education, healthcare, and commercial opportunities while laying the groundwork for a more cohesive and resilient Sarawak.
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