KUCHING, Sept 22: The Nanga Musah bridge, situated along Jalan Tekalit-Musah in the Song area of Kapit, was reported to have suffered critical structural damage (cracked) at about 9.30pm last night and was on the verge of collapse.
Upon being alerted to this incident, Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said he had obtained information from officers on the ground and would visit the affected area this afternoon to assess the situation personally.
“Considering that this is a State road, I have communicated with the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated response,” he said in a statement posted on his social media today.
Nanta, who is also Kapit MP, also noted that immediate actions had already been initiated since last night (Sept 21).
To enhance safety in the vicinity, JKR Sarawak had taken the measure of closing the vulnerable crossing to traffic since the previous night. Additionally, warning signs and safety equipment were installed to protect the area’s residents.
While assessment and further investigation are being carried out, Nanta added that he had raised the matter with the Deputy Premier, who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, to expedite necessary actions and related tasks.
Meanwhile, a team from the Civil Defence Force (APM) promptly responded to the incident upon receiving the report last night.
APM confirmed that the bridge’s understructure was broken, likely attributed to heavy rainfall that persisted throughout the day.
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported. — DayakDaily
