UEM Edgenta strengthens Sarawak infrastructure with bridge

UEM Edgenta Berhad has reinforced its commitment to Sarawak's infrastructure by overseeing the construction of the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge, the longest river crossing in Malaysia. Officially launched on 9 July, the bridge is a key component of the RM11 billion ($___) Sarawak Coastal Road and Second Trunk Road (CSTR) projects, designed to connect coastal communities and enhance regional development.

The bridge, spanning 4.844 kilometres across the Batang Lupar estuary, is part of a network that includes 14 major bridges. UEM Edgenta, serving as the Project Management Consultant, collaborated with Jabatan Kerja Raya Sarawak to ensure the project's successful completion. The company utilised cutting-edge project management technology, including real-time construction analytics and drone-assisted site reporting, to maintain high safety and quality standards.

Shaiful Subhan, Managing Director and CEO of UEM Edgenta, highlighted the project's complexity, stating, "Bridging massive geographical divides requires an arrangement of immense technical capabilities." The bridge's construction involved navigating challenging environmental conditions, including dynamic tidal bores and a dense population of estuarine crocodiles.

Beyond its immediate impact, the project has facilitated knowledge transfer to local engineers and contractors, enhancing Sarawak's capacity to manage future infrastructure projects. The bridge is expected to reduce travel times, boost investment opportunities, and improve access to essential services for rural communities.

The Batang Lupar 1 Bridge has been recognised with the IEM Pinnacle Award 2026 for its engineering excellence, underscoring UEM Edgenta's role in advancing Sarawak's infrastructure and economic development

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