OFFICIAL PORTAL
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
SUNGKAI: A bridge linking Sungai Klah Felda to the Sungai Klah Hot Spring Park, known locally as the Sungai Liur Bridge, collapsed at around 10.30pm last night.
It is understood that the bridge was also used daily by Orang Asli residents of Kampung Tisong and palm oil smallholders in the area.
A villager, Azhar Ahmad, 51, said part of the bridge began collapsing following heavy rainfall in the area.
He said the bridge fully gave way last night, cutting off the road connection between Felda Sungai Klah and the popular tourist destination.
"Heavy rainfall from Friday onwards in the area and upstream caused strong river currents, which are believed to have struck and weakened the bridge structure until it gave way.
"The bridge was used by many to get to the hot springs, which are a major tourist attraction in the state.
"The Orang Asli from Kampung Tisong and plantation owners are also affected, as they can no longer transport their crops," he said when met here.
Azhar added that Orang Asli villagers use the bridge daily for their routines, including sending their children to school.
He said the bridge must be repaired urgently, as its collapse has impacted local economic activities, particularly in tourism and agriculture, which provide income for the community.
Another villager, Mustakim Salim, 23, said locals are now forced to use a palm oil plantation road as an alternative route for daily activities.
He said this route is only accessible by motorcycles and four-wheel-drive vehicles, and it is significantly farther than the original road.
"The alternative route can only be used by motorcycles or four-wheel drives, and it's quite a distance from the usual road.
"This is the only route available for residents, but it's dangerous, especially at night," he said.
Meanwhile, Perak Public Works Department director Zamri Mat Kasim clarified that the 20-year-old structure that collapsed was a box culvert, not a bridge as claimed by residents.
"The collapsed road and culvert do not fall under the department's ownership or maintenance. However, the department is prepared to provide assistance and technical advice regarding the damaged culvert," he said when contacted today.
Earlier, it was reported that hundreds of people were stranded at the Sungai Klah hot spring after the bridge collapse cut off the main access route to the area.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department operations chief Sabarodzie Nor Ahmad said a team from the Bidor station was dispatched to the scene after the department was alerted to the incident at 10.46am today.
He said the incident occurred on the main access road leading to the Sungai Klah hot spring, Kampung Tisong, and the Buyong Mas Sanctuary campsite, disrupting entry and exit for residents and visitors.
The operation to rescue the stranded victims ended at 12.39pm.
IN JALAN Padungan, the heart of Kuching’s Chinatown lined with historical shophouses, the facade wall on the first floor of a corner lot collapsed in the early morning of April 6.
Firefighters from the Padungan station were dispatched to the scene after a call was received at 6.23am.
Thankfully there were no injuries reported.
Still, it is a cause for concern, not only with regard to safety but also the preservation of heritage buildings.
Such concerns were underscored by preliminary investigations by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR).
It deemed the affected unit and two intermediate shoplots to be unsafe.
Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the incident was a wake-up call.
According to him, the century- old building was “not just a structure of wood and brick” but a part of Kuching’s living heritage.
“Many of the structures within the heart of Kuching are of considerable age, and while they are cherished as part of our cultural legacy, we must ensure they remain safe for those who live, work and walk among them,” he told a press conference following the incident.
Commendably, the authorities have acted promptly to initiate a coordinated response.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is working with the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department, JKR, Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak branch and other relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the wall failure.
In addition, MBKS will work with technical experts to assess and review the structural safety of other century-old and potentially vulnerable buildings in its jurisdiction.
The city council also plans to introduce a more robust inspection framework, clearer maintenance guidelines and support, where possible, to building owners in need of assistance to preserve historical structures responsibly.
“If you are the owner or occupant of an old building and notice any signs of deterioration, please report it to the council immediately. Safety must always come first, and it is a shared responsibility,” said Wee.
Kuching North mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman also weighed in on the issue, pledging to collaborate strategically with MBKS to ensure that cultural buildings were well-maintained for generations to come.
“This incident is a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to protect not only our cultural heritage but also the safety and well-being of our people.
“Our city is home to many cultural treasures, including the historic row of shophouses along Gambier Street and Carpenter Street, the iconic Kuching Waterfront, the General Post Office and the Brooke Dockyard.
“These sites are not just physical structures, they are living symbols of our identity, our past and our shared community pride,” he said.
Hilmy said the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) would conduct safety inspections of historical and aging buildings under its jurisdiction, while strengthening building maintenance regulations and enforcing compliance with safety standards.
The conservation and structural integrity of heritage sites must be prioritised, he added.
Both local authorities have expressed firm views about upholding safety and preserving heritage buildings.
Their stated commitment to regular inspections, better maintenance and enforcement is also timely and commendable.
Hopefully this will not remain mere words in the immediate aftermath of the Jalan Padungan incident, but will be turned into effective, concrete action to improve the safety of historical buildings.
Building owners must also do their part to maintain their properties well in compliance with regulations and proper standards, ensuring that they are structurally sound while respecting their heritage value.
After all, heritage buildings are an integral part of Kuching’s identity and cityscape.
Let’s not allow them to crumble into history due to poor maintenance, which would not only be a loss to the city’s cultural heritage but could also potentially endanger public safety.
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government will hold a coordination meeting tomorrow to address flash flood issues, particularly in Shah Alam and Klang.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the meeting will involve all relevant parties, including the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), Klang Royal City Council (MBDK), and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, to address the matter immediately.
“I witnessed firsthand the impact of the flash floods caused by the high rainfall this week, which significantly affected residents, especially in areas such as Taman Melawis in Klang and Taman Sri Muda in Shah Alam.
“My office has also been contacted by residents expressing their concern and anxiety over the recurring situation, as components of the flood mitigation plan appear to be progressing very slowly,“ he said in a statement today.
Amirudin said state Infrastructure and Agriculture Exco Ir Izham Hashim has been tasked with urgently addressing all issues that hinder flood mitigation efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. Additionally, a meeting with affected residents is on the cards.
“A long-term solution must be implemented as soon as possible through the cooperation of all parties, including the Federal Government.
“Although nearly four years have passed, the traumatic episode of the massive floods in December 2021 still lingers on in the memory of every Selangor resident. No one wants to see it happen again,“ he said.
It was reported that over 1,500 residents gathered to demand a permanent resolution to end the flood woes in Taman Sri Muda, Kota Kemuning, and Batu 8 near here today.
Resident spokesman K. Umagandhan said the protest expressed frustration over the community’s ongoing flood problems.
SHAH ALAM: Kerajaan Selangor merancang untuk menghantar pegawai Unit Pengurusan Bencana Negeri ke luar negara selewat-lewatnya Jun ini bagi memperkukuh kemahiran dalam pengurusan pasca bencana, kata Exco Belia dan Sukan negeri Mohd Najwan Halimi.
Mohd Najwan yang juga Exco Pengurusan Bencana berkata langkah tersebut dirasakan perlu sebagai persediaan menghadapi bencana luar jangka seperti insiden letupan saluran gas di Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, atau bencana alam lain seperti gempa bumi.
“Tiada siapa yang mahu berdepan dengan bencana, namun Kerajaan Selangor mahu semua pegawai unit pengurusan bencana diperlengkapkan dengan kemahiran terkini berdasarkan pengalaman negara maju seperti Jepun.
“Walaupun sebelum ini Malaysia dianggap kurang berisiko dilanda bencana seperti gempa bumi, perubahan pergerakan plat tektonik yang kini turut menggoncang negara jiran seperti Filipina dan Thailand kebelakangan ini wajar diberi perhatian,” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui pemberita pada Majlis Rumah Terbuka Aidilfitri Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Kota Anggerik di Kompleks Belia dan Sukan Selangor, Seksyen 7, di sini hari ini.
Mohd Najwan berkata pihaknya optimis bahawa inisiatif sedia ada, termasuk mencontohi kaedah pengurusan bencana negara seperti Jepun, dapat memberi input penting kepada Unit Pengurusan Bencana Negeri.
“Saya percaya usaha ini akan mendedahkan kita (unit pengurusan bencana) kepada kemahiran baharu, sekali gus membentuk gerak kerja lebih berkesan dan bersesuaian dengan keperluan semasa,” katanya.
Terdahulu, Mohd Najwan yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Kota Anggerik menerima kehadiran lebih 5,000 tetamu pada majlis rumah terbuka berkenaan.
Kuala Lumpur: Ribut petir, hujan lebat dan angin kencang diramal membadai ibu kota selain sembilan negeri lain sehingga jam 10 malam ini.
Selain Jeli di Kelantan dan Bentong, Pahang, Jabatan Meteorologi Malaysia (MetMalaysia) dalam hantaran di Facebook memaklumkan cuaca itu dijangka di Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan.
Katanya, amaran cuaca itu juga dikeluarkan bagi Kedah membabitkan kawasan Padang Terap, Yan, Pendang, Kuala Muda, Sik, Baling, Kulim dan Bandar Baharu.
"Di Perak, hujan lebat diramal berlaku di Larut, Matang Dan Selama, Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Perak Tengah, Kampar, Hilir Perak, Batang Padang dan Muallim.