Bung orders repair of bridge in Kota Belud

Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (pic) has ordered the immediate repair of a partially collapsed bridge that has affected about 1,000 villagers in Kota Belud district.

Bung, who is also works minister, visited the site at Kampung Malangkap Wednesday morning after reports that the bridge had collapsed due to strong currents on Tuesday.

He said he received multiple reports, including from his officers, the public as well as a video which has gone viral on social media.

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 “I have instructed the concession company looking after the bridge to start repair works immediately,” he said, when contacted.

The Lamag assemblyman said the incident took place on Monday after incessant rain at Sungai Panataran where the bridge is located.

Bung expected the remedial work to be completed in four to five days.

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“About 1,000 people living in five villages in the area have been affected. That’s why I want the work to be done as soon as possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bung also instructed the state Public Works Department yesterday to speed up repairs as well as clearing work on stretches damaged and cut off due to landslides caused by heavy rain since early this week.

Among the roads cut off by landslides were Jalan Tamparuli-Kiulu and Jalan Tamparuli-Ranau near Sabah Parks.

On Monday, besides Kota Belud, several low-lying areas in the state capital, Tuaran and Penampang were hit by flash floods following a downpour.