KUCHING, NOVEMBER 21: The long-forgotten Kuching landmark; the Satok Suspension Bridge was given a major facelift and has reclaimed its title as an iconic symbol of Kuching City.
Sarawak Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the bridge holds an important history to the city.
“The original suspension bridge was built in 1923, during the administration of the third White Rajah, Charles Vyner Brooke, somewhat reminiscent of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.
“He (Charles Brooke) hired a leading European architect, A.S Lowe, the younger brother to C.P Lowe who is the Director of Public Works Department to design the bridge,” said Abang Johari during the official opening ceremony of the bridge here last night (Nov 21).
Abang Johari also told attendees the bridge took about six years to complete in 1926 with the cost of USD52,000, deemed an incredible feat during the era.
Just like the old bridge which held priceless memories to many, the new one is also set to once again relive this purpose while helping boost the economy through tourism and local businesses.
Historically, the old Satok Suspension Bridge was off service due to its poor condition where cables were no longer intact, causing it to collapse into the Sarawak River in 2004, having once served as a link to the Kuching Old Town for 78 years.
The state government had planned the re-construction of the 213-metre suspension bridge at a cost of RM8.05 million.
It was fully completed in March this year, benefiting pedestrians from Satok to Medan Niaga.
