BEAUFORT: The wooden bridge in Kg Rancangan Klias, connecting Kg Melabau to Kg Lupak, has broken planks, causing residents to be very concerned about using it. They are worried that more planks may break, making it unsafe.
Local resident, Mohamad Razaleigh, said motorists are especially worried that the bridge may no longer be strong enough to support the weight of their vehicles.
On Dec 12 and 18, two vehicles from the village got stuck as their tires were caught in the broken planks.
The situation is worse at night, as the area is not lit, and residents fear more such incidents could occur. The bridge was built with planks that are not durable, which led to the breakage when a vehicle crossed. There are concerns that more planks may break.
“This issue is also worrying the residents because if an emergency happens, especially involving heavy fire trucks, they may get stuck on the bridge, which will delay their arrival at the emergency location,” he said.
Residents are also concerned that an ambulance could get stuck while trying to transfer a patient, which could make the situation worse, and in some cases, potentially fatal, if the medical team is unable to cross the bridge.
At the same time, three wooden bridges, which are the main routes for the residents, have not been replaced with concrete bridges by the Beaufort Public Works Department (JKR), which continues to be an ongoing problem, said Mohamad.
JKR should build the bridge with concrete to ensure the comfort and safety of road users, he added. Mohamad said they had contacted JKR about the damage and were informed that it was under the maintenance of the Govinaco subsidiary company.
“Even after nearly a week of maintenance, the bridge was still broken because JKR did not ensure that they used durable wood, which is why it’s easy to break,” he said.
“If the work continues like this under the Globinaco subsidiary, the government will bear the losses,” he added.
Meanwhile, another resident, Junayah, said another bridge that was built has nails coming out, posing a risk for vehicles.
“That bridge connects the residents to Kg Melabau, Beaufort, and Kuala Penyu, and it’s crucial that it be replaced with a concrete bridge,” he said.
The residents hope that the Klias Assemblyman and Assistant Minister, Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, along with Beaufort MP, Datuk Siti Aminah Aching, will visit this bridge and ensure it is maintained with quality wood.
