KOTA BELUD: The upgrade of the Panataran River Bridge in Kampung Malangkap near here, transitioning from a wooden structure to a concrete one, is expected to significantly benefit the surrounding residents.
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said this facility is highly anticipated by the residents of Mukim Malangkap, which includes five villages.
He said that the expansion from a single lane to a dual lane will serve over 4,000 residents and visiting tourists.
“With the construction of this concrete bridge, we are providing a facility that enhances comfort not only for the villagers but also for tourists wishing to experience the beauty of this area through rural community tourism initiatives.
“As the ADUN of Kadamaian, I am extremely grateful to the Ministry of Rural Development for allocating funds for the construction of this bridge, which has an estimated cost of around RM9 million,” he said.
He told reporters this after officiating the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Panataran River Bridge Upgrade Project on Jalan Malangkap Piasau today.
Ewon expressed hope that the project would be executed and completed on schedule within a year.
He believes that economic activities, particularly in tourism and agriculture, will see substantial growth.
“Firstly, it will facilitate tourist access to the recreational areas here. Secondly, it will enable the transportation of agricultural products that require larger vehicles, such as lorries, which have previously faced challenges accessing this region.
“With this bridge in place, these activities can be carried out more efficiently, and I am confident that the income generated by residents in the tourism and agriculture sectors will significantly increase,” he added.
