PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has instructed the immediate installation of a Bailey bridge over the Kaiduan River in Papar, Sabah, following the collapse of the existing structure due to flooding, which severed access to the area.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ahmad Zahid directed the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) and the Royal Engineers Regiment (RAJD), who specialize in Bailey bridge construction, to carry out the installation without delay.
“I have been informed that the bridge at the Kaiduan River has collapsed due to flooding, causing the area to be cut off,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee, as quoted by Bernama.
He stated that the construction of the bridge needs to be expedited because the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) had provided three units of modular steel bridges (Bailey bridges) to the Sabah government last year to enhance infrastructure preparedness for disasters.
In addition to addressing the collapsed bridge issue, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that JKR Sabah is also focusing on repair work along the Penampang-Tambunan road following a landslide that affected the main route.
According to him, the cleanup of debris, slope stabilization, and immediate repairs are actively being carried out in collaboration with the concession company.
“This effort also includes the reconstruction of the damaged suspension bridge, rebuilding retaining walls in residential areas affected by erosion, and repairing the collapsed roads,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid also expressed appreciation to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and residents for providing humanitarian assistance to flood victims in Sabah.
He added that the Director-General of Nadma, Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, along with the Federal Secretary of Sabah, Datuk Mohd Razali Wahab, have been mobilized to coordinate disaster management in the state.
