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NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Temporary bridge to be built in Perak following bridge collapse
- Admin UKK
- Berita
IPOH: A temporary single-lane Bailey bridge will be built to restore connectivity to Kampung Sungai Tisong and nearby areas following the collapse of a decades-old bridge on Saturday.
Perak Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said construction of the Bailey bridge would begin today and is expected to be completed by April 29.
"We're targeting for the temporary bridge to be usable within six to seven days. This will restore access for villagers, schoolchildren, and even hot spring resort operators affected by the collapse.
"The Perak Public Works Department (PWD) has one Bailey bridge in stock, so we will use that. Cost assessments will follow and be shared with the relevant ministries and the state government.
"The single-lane bridge can accommodate regular vehicles and smaller lorries. It won't support large trucks, but it's sufficient for current needs, including Hot Spring visitors and Buyung Emas campers," he said.
He made the remarks during a press conference at the Media Room of Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan today.
It was earlier reported that hundreds of people were stranded at the Sungai Klah hot spring on Saturday after the bridge collapse severed the main access route.
When asked about the cause of the collapse, Nizar said the culvert supports had failed due to a surge of water and heavy debris.
"The collapse was caused by the failure of the culverts that supported the bridge. They were struck by heavy debris and strong water flow during a surge, which severely weakened the structure and eventually caused it to give way," he said.
He added that there had previously been confusion over who was responsible for the road and bridge, as they were not listed under the Public Works Department (PWD.
"Indeed, the road existed, but today we can confirm that it was built by Felda. Felda used it to transport palm oil and constructed it themselves," he said.
When asked whether the 20-year-old bridge had undergone maintenance or inspections, he said no government agency under his purview had been responsible.
"Previously, there was confusion over who owned the road and bridge. It's now clear that Felda built it initially, but it has since been used by multiple parties, including LAP (Perak Water Board) and the local community.
"If any maintenance was done, it would have been by Felda. No government agency was involved. Since Felda built it, they're responsible, although it's used by LAP, other road users, and villagers.
"We will begin registering the route under Marris (Malaysian Road Records Information System), so it can come under JKR for future maintenance," he said.
He added that more than 500 Orang Asli residents in Kampung Sungai Tisong are now facing restricted access, raising urgent concerns over healthcare and education, which has prompted swift intervention from local authorities.
"Among the most urgent cases identified were five pregnant women who have since been safely evacuated to the Sungkai Health Clinic to ensure continuity of maternal care.
"Additionally, two dialysis patients from the village are temporarily relocated to facilitate uninterrupted treatment over the coming week, as access via the main route remains compromised," he said.
A total of 81 students from Kampung Sungai Tisong have also been affected by the road conditions, and the district education office has taken steps to ensure learning continues despite the logistical obstacles.