28-05-2025
Bridge collapse in Jerlun leaves five villages, 1,000 residents stranded
JERLUN: A bridge linking several villages in Ayer Hitam to Kuala Tunjang collapsed yesterday evening, disrupting the lives of more than 1,000 residents who rely on it for their daily commute.
The incident, which occurred at around 6pm, severed the vital connection between Kampung Hutan Tualang, Kampung Padang Tui, Kampung Gandai, Kampung Tandop Kedabu, and Kampung Tempayan Pecah.
Kampung Gandai Village Committee (MKK) chairman Mohd Zulhailmi Che Azmi said the bridge gave way when strong river currents carried aquatic plants known as kemeling, which became lodged underneath the structure.
"The base of the bridge at Kampung Hutan Tualang had been cracked since 2020, but when the river flow intensified and carried a large amount of kemeling, it finally collapsed yesterday evening," he said when contacted today.
"Residents have long been concerned about the bridge, which serves as a key route, especially for schoolchildren, paddy farmers and shrimp factory workers in Kuala Tunjang.
"Since the cracks were first detected, only light vehicles such as motorcycles and cars could use the bridge. Now it is completely destroyed. Fortunately, no one was injured."
Mohd Zulhailmi added that residents are particularly worried about the lack of emergency access, as fire engines and ambulances can no longer enter the area directly.
"To cross the river, we now have to take a detour of more than 2km along a narrow road that is unsuitable for larger vehicles.
"If there is an emergency such as a fire or medical incident, rescue vehicles will not be able to get through," he said.
He said multiple complaints had been lodged with the authorities since 2021, but only temporary patchwork had been carried out.
Resident Zulkifli Md Isa, 61, said the bridge, which is over 60 years old, had long posed safety concerns, particularly for motorists.
"Besides submitting complaints, we even invited government officers and elected representatives to inspect the bridge.
"Officials from the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) came in 2022 and informed us the repair costs could reach RM400,000.
"But only minor patching was done, and residents had no choice but to continue using the bridge until it finally gave way," he said.
Zulkifli urged the authorities to act swiftly to rebuild the bridge and restore safe access for the affected communities.
