Azlan Othman

Bumiputera Bersatu Cooperative Berhad (KBBB) has implemented thoughtful proposals in answering the broad vision of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the private sector to contribute ideas and dynamic vision towards realising Brunei Vision 2035.

The idea to construct the bridge is embodied in the 13 KBBB Proposed Projects, said Adviser of Bumiputera Bersatu Bhd Cooperative Berhad (KBBB) Bawai bin Munjil.

He lauded the completion and the use of the Temburong Bridge which links Brunei/Muara District and the green jewel of Temburong District mooted back in 1970’s.

“A video about the 32-kilometre bridge was uploaded in YouTube Channel by KBBB and has received over 50,000 views.”

In view of the current COVID-19 outbreak, Brunei registered vehicles of classes 1, 3, 4 and 6 are allowed to use the bridge from 6am-10pm beginning yesterday, while Brunei registered commercial vehicles of Class 5 require approval from the Bridge Maintenance Unit.

Bawai said the bridge will save travellers’ commute time, especially for an emergency.

The idea of a bridge connecting the two districts was put forward by a member of Legislative Council in the Temburong District Yang Berhormat Pehin Dato Laila Raja Haji Abu Bakar from Kampong Puni, Temburong, at a Legislative Council meeting in the 1970s.

The idea was further boosted and proactively echoed since Brunei Darussalam achieved full independence on January 1, 1984.

In the 1990s, the Temburong District Office, government officers, community leaders, and honorary members of Temburong District also made Master Plan Proposals for the construction of such bridge and presented to the authorities.