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MORE than 3,000 Orang Asli residents in the interior of Kelantan have been cut off after a log bridge spanning the Peralong River collapsed during a sudden rise in water levels following heavy evening rain.
The incident, which occurred at about 7pm yesterday, has severed access for communities in Pos Tohoi, Pos Simpor and Pos Gob, leaving them unable to leave their settlements.
Resident Dendi Johari, 37, said the bridge, made entirely of timber logs, gave way under the force of the water surge.
“I was informed about the incident by a friend around 7pm. The log bridge is now completely severed and cannot be used by any vehicle.
“We hope the bridge can be repaired as soon as possible for the benefit of the residents, including teachers in the interior who are scheduled to travel out today for the weekend break,” he said when contacted.
Nenggiri assemblyman Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani (pic) said he was alerted to the collapse by villagers last night.
He urged residents to be vigilant in the current monsoon season. “To the residents, I advise them to remain cautious of the weather during this monsoon period.
“If they need to enter the forest, make sure to travel in groups due to the risk of landslides or sudden river surges. Insya-Allah, immediate action will be taken to repair this bridge as it is the main access route for the Orang Asli communities in the area,” he said.
Authorities are expected to begin assessment and repair works urgently, as the collapsed bridge remains the only viable land route connecting the three affected posts to nearby towns. - November 20, 2025