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.