KUCHING: The Long Lama bridge, also known as Tok Nan Bridge, has eased the burden of the local community, especially the Penans in Baram.
Ezra Uda (pic), 42, said the bridge provides a positive socio-economic boost to the Penans.
“The construction of the bridge is a relief to the Penans who have been using the river for decades.
“The bridge is accessible to the community at any time and they can commute back and forth between Baram and Miri,” he explained during an interview here yesterday.
Ezra, who is also a former administrative officer at Long Bedian in 2016, recounted his experience of paying RM300 to cross the river.
“I once used the ferry on my way to Kuching for official matters.
“Since I did not want to miss my morning flight to Kuching the next day, I had no choice but to comply with the ferry’s request by paying it RM300 to take me to the other side,” he said.
He added that the bridge is also the main route during rush hours or emergencies for patients needing treatment at Miri Hospital.
On Thursday, the Tok Nan Bridge measuring 573 metres long, located about 140 kilometres from Miri City and built at a cost of RM67.1 million, was officiated at by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari said that the bridge was built for the benefit of the people and could boost the economy in Long Lama and other towns in Baram.
