Masing performs soft opening of Kanowit bridge
KANOWIT: The opening of Kanowit bridge is a gateway to the upper Rajang area.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing said the bridge was made possible because the people had wanted it.
“This is possible because they had elected people’s representatives who have means of persuasion and link with those in authority.
“The bridge is the first phase to make Kapit no longer an island within the island of Borneo,” he told a press conference after officiating at the soft opening of Kanowit bridge here yesterday.
Masing said that the 350-metre bridge costing RM52 million was part of the 101km Kanowit/Song/ Kapit Road, which commenced construction in Dec 2014.
He said it was opened much earlier than its scheduled completion in July this year to provide convenience to the people residing in Majau, Poi, Ngemah as well as Song in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebration.
“All this happened because the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, allows it to happen. He had been here many times and because of that he understands the needs of the people in this region.
“Because of that, you cannot tell us not to appreciate his work.
“So you cannot say that the people are giving their empty support to Najib.
“We will support leaders who understand our needs and Najib understands that. That’s why we support him. He will remain strong in Rajang and this will help us to open up Upper Rajang Development Agency ( URDA),” he said.
Earlier, in his speech, Masing, who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation, said he would talk to Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg to include Kanowit in Upper Rajang Development Agency ( URDA).
He said he cannot decide on the matter although he is URDA chairman.
Among those present were were Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Alexander Nanta, Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Ngemah assemblyman Alexander Vincent, Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong and Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit.