Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Public Works Department (PWD) is preparing a justification to seek approval for a higher cost ceiling to rebuild the damaged Sungai Molout Bridge in Ranau after the initial allocation was found to be insufficient.
Assistant Rural Development Minister Datuk Samad Jambri (pic) said the bridge at Kampung Bayag (KM1.600) along Gaur Bayag Kitaie Road suffered severe damage to its abutment following erosion caused by heavy rain on Sept 7, 2025.
He said the State Finance Ministry had approved RM4.93 million based on the original estimate by the Ranau District Office, but the allocation was insufficient for the reconstruction of the 60-metre bridge, including a two-way carriageway and riverbank protection works.
The project cost is estimated at RM19 million, he said during question time at the State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday in reply to Paginatan assemblyman Datuk Rusdin Riman.
Samad said JKR Sabah is preparing the necessary justification for submission to the State Finance Ministry to obtain approval for a revised cost ceiling, and suggested the assemblyman liaise directly with PWD for further information.