Tenom: The long-awaited dream of Tenom and Kemabong residents for a safer, more modern permanent bridge has finally come true with the official opening of the new Sungai Padas Bridge.
The bridge’s completion has been met with gratitude and relief, especially among farmers, small traders, transport operators and workers who rely on the route for their daily commute.
Previously, locals had to depend on an older, narrower bridge that was often submerged or closed whenever river levels rose during the rainy season, causing traffic congestion and delays in the delivery of goods and essential services.
Built by the Public Works Department (JKR) Tenom, the new 200-metre-long bridge features a permanent concrete-pier structure, a 700-metre stretch of new road and a 750-metre service road designed to improve traffic flow and safety.
The RM30.86 million project, funded under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) through the Works Ministry (KKR), began on June 18, 2020, and was completed on Sept 9, 2025, according to the technical schedule.
Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco) Chairman Datuk Rubin Balang said the successful completion of the bridge reflects strong cooperation between the Government and the implementing agencies that truly understand the needs of interior communities.
“Congratulations to the contractor for completing this bridge successfully. It is a long-awaited project for the people of Tenom and Kemabong. This is not just infrastructure, but a basic necessity for daily life,” he said.
Tenom Member of Parliament Riduan Rubin described the bridge as a catalyst for regional economic growth.
“With this new bridge, heavy vehicle movement is now more flexible. It benefits the marketing of agricultural produce and provides smoother connectivity between Melalap and Kemabong. The old bridge was very limited in both load and capacity,” he said.
Residents expressed their appreciation, calling the project proof that the Government listens to local needs.
Biou Suyan, a Kemabong resident, said the bridge made a real difference.
“The Government listened and made it happen. We are truly grateful — this bridge has changed our daily lives,” she said.
Melalap resident Benedict Kupak said the new bridge is especially crucial during the rainy season.
“Previously, during floods, the old bridge was impassable and the community was cut off from supplies. Now, agricultural goods can reach markets faster and the travel time is shorter,” he said.
The bridge’s completion also supports the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, which prioritises the provision of basic rural infrastructure.
With the new bridge now operational, residents are hopeful that more rural road upgrades, agricultural access roads and local economic network projects will follow, strengthening Tenom’s role as one of Sabah’s key agricultural hubs in the interior.
