MIRI (Jan 11): There are many log bridges and culverts along the former logging roads in the lower, middle and upper Baram areas that urgently need replacement, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

“With logging concessionaires scaling back operations, they are no longer maintaining these bridges leading to their concessions, and this has left many communities without safe access to essential services,” he pointed out.

Uggah said this in his address at a handing over of components of the Bailey Bridge from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), at the Public Work Department (JKR) Depot in Bekenu today.

His speech was delivered by the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, who represented him at the function.

On the bridge replacement at Sungai Bale, Uggah said it is only one of the many critical infrastructure issues faced in the Baram region.

The SDMC chairman thanked Nadma and Profaz Maju Niaga Sdn Bhd for their prompt response in supplying and delivering the bridge components, which are temporarily housed at the JKR Bekenu Depot.

The steel bridge will be installed across Sungai Bale at Kampung Long Banga, Marudi District to connect the route that was cut off due to a flood disaster in mid-2024.

Uggah also thanked the Miri Port Authority, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), JKR Miri and those involved for their efforts in ensuring the smooth transition of the containers from Port Klang to JKR Bekenu Depot on Jan 6.

The bridge components were delivered in 12 units of 40-foot containers.

To ensure swift and safe installation of Bailey Bridges in Sarawak, Uggah disclosed that 22 personnel will be sent to JKR Putatan, Sabah from Jan 13 to 19 for training.

“As we anticipate the installation of more bridges in the future, this training is crucial to ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of our infrastructure,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nadma director-general Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said the purchase of the bridge is part of a move to strengthen the country’s logistics assets and disaster preparedness.

The strategic initiative, he pointed out, aims to enhance logistics capabilities, particularly in dealing with emergency situations that require rapid resolution to infrastructure damage such as bridges and roads.

“The initiative can also speed up the process of returning to normal after a disaster,” he said.

Additionally, he hoped that the handing over of components of the Bailey Bridge can help strengthen the disaster support infrastructure in Sarawak, particularly in areas exposed to disaster risks such as floods and landslides.

Also present were Deputy State Secretary (Administration) and SDMC deputy chairman Datu Buckland Bangik; Miri Resident Galong Luang; JKR Sarawak deputy director (Infrastructure) Wisil Lichok; and Miri Divisional engineer Stephen Ung.