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Just weeks after opening, Sarawak's RM848 million landmark bridge is already covered in rubbish — and netizens are calling it out. Batang Lupar Bridge 1, the RM848.7 million, 4.844km bridge that opened on May 21, was meant to be a source of pride for Sarawak. Instead, photos of rubbish scattered along the bridge have gone viral. Facebook user Ef Suhaimi shared images of the mess, comparing it to Brunei's much longer sea bridges that remain clean despite heavier traffic. "I feel embarrassed when looking at Brunei. They have sea bridges over 20km long and you don't see rubbish being thrown on the bridge. Here in Sarawak, it is only about 4km and it already looks like this," he wrote. [image: 1780622070152-batang-lupar-litter-resized.jpeg] Source: Ef Suhaimi / DayakDaily JKR Sarawak responded by urging the public to take responsibility: "Batang Lupar Bridge 1 belongs to all of us. Let us work together to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the bridge, which is a source of pride for the people of Sarawak." The bridge replaces the Sebuyau–Triso ferry service, cutting travel time from 30 minutes to just 5 minutes, and is part of Sarawak's Coastal Road Network development programme. Location: Batang Lupar, Sarawak Details: Littering on Sarawak's new landmark bridge sparks public debate Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Should there be stricter penalties for littering?

Malaysia's longest river bridge, Batang Lupar Bridge 1, opened just two weeks ago — and it is already scattered with rubbish. A photo shared by Facebook user Ef Suhaimi shows litter strewn along sections of the 4.8km bridge, sparking public disappointment online. "It looks dirty already. Maybe they should have just built a rubbish disposal site instead. Really irresponsible," he wrote. Suhaimi also compared the situation with Brunei, noting that even much longer sea-crossing bridges there remain clean despite heavier traffic. "I feel embarrassed when looking at Brunei. They have sea bridges over 20km long and you don't see rubbish being thrown on the bridge. Here in Sarawak, it is only about 4km and it already looks like this," he added. JKR Sarawak has since responded, calling on the public to take collective responsibility. "Batang Lupar Bridge 1 belongs to all of us. Let us work together to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the bridge, which is a source of pride for the people of Sarawak. Keep it clean, protect Sarawak's image," the department said. The RM848.7 million bridge, which opened on May 21, replaces the Sebuyau–Triso ferry service — cutting travel time from 30 minutes to just 5 minutes. It is part of Sarawak's Coastal Road Network and Second Trunk Road development programme. [image: 1780621622887-batang-lupar-litter.jpeg] Location: Batang Lupar Bridge 1 (near Sebuyau-Sri Aman) Details: Litter scattered along Malaysia's longest river bridge just 2 weeks after opening; JKR calls for public responsibility Source: DayakDaily Do you think Sarawakians need better civic awareness? Or should authorities do more?

[image: 1780102952038-nkia-airfares.jpg] Federal govt open to Sarawak taking bigger role in new Kuching airport — plus talks on cheaper domestic flights Sarawak's Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin met with his federal counterpart Anthony Loke in Putrajaya on May 26, and two big topics came up that affect every Sarawakian who travels. First, the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA). The federal government is now open to exploring a decentralised development model, meaning Sarawak would have a bigger say in planning and building the airport. "Allowing the Sarawak government to play a greater role in the planning and implementation of the project while supporting Sarawak's long-term aviation and economic aspirations," Lee said in a statement. The meeting also covered the submission of the Aerodrome Development Request for NKIA. Domestic airfares — still a pain point for Sarawakians Lee proposed reviving three key routes under the Rural Air Services Public Service Obligation (PSO) framework: Kuching–Sibu Kuching–Bintulu Kuching–Miri This could make domestic flights more affordable for people travelling within Sarawak. Airfare caps were also discussed, with Loke suggesting AirBorneo could operate these routes commercially using its ATR72 aircraft. Also on the table: extra Miri–Bario flights for the upcoming Bario Food and Cultural Festival (Pesta Nukenen Bario) in July, and the long-term Bintulu–Samalaju rail link under the Trans-Borneo Railway initiative. Location: Putrajaya / Kuching Details: Courtesy call between Sarawak Ministry of Transport and federal Transport Minister, May 26 Source: DayakDaily Have you flown between Kuching and Sibu/Bintulu/Miri recently? How much did it cost?

Sarawak's longest river bridge is now open to the public! The Batang Lupar Bridge (Jambatan Batang Lupar) officially opened on 21 May 2026, replacing the long-serving ferry service connecting Sebuyau and Sri Aman across the Batang Lupar river. Location: Sebuyau, Sarawak (Kuching Division) Length: 4.8km — Sarawak's longest river crossing Travel time saved: Ferry took ~30 minutes, bridge takes just 5 minutes. This bridge is part of Sarawak's massive infrastructure transformation under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Out of 21 major bridges planned, 10 have already opened, with 8 more expected in the coming months. The opening comes just in time for Hari Raya Haji and Gawai Dayak festivities — making balik kampung much easier for thousands of Sarawakians. Sources: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/22/batang-lupar-bridge-officially-opens/ https://dayakdaily.com/batang-lupar-bridge-sarawak-longest-river-crossing/ What do you think — will this bridge boost economic activity in the area? Share your thoughts below!