PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has ordered the immediate installation of a Bailey bridge across Sungai Kaiduan, Papar, Sabah, after the existing structure collapsed due to flooding, cutting off access to the area.

In a statement Tuesday (Sept 16), the Deputy Prime Minister instructed the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) and the Royal Engineer Regiment (RAJD), which has expertise in Bailey bridge construction, to carry out the installation without delay.

"I understand that the bridge at Sungai Kaiduan has collapsed due to flooding, causing the area to be cut off," said Ahmad Zahid, who is the Central Disaster Management Committee chairman..

He said the bridge construction must be expedited as the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) had supplied three modular steel bridge units (Bailey bridges) to the Sabah government last year to enhance infrastructure preparedness for disasters.

Apart from addressing the collapsed bridge, Ahmad Zahid said the Sabah JKR is also focusing on repair works along the Penampang-Tambunan Road following a landslide that disrupted the main route.

According to him, the work of clearing debris, stabilising slopes and immediate repairs is being actively carried out in collaboration with concession companies.

"These efforts also cover the reconstruction of damaged suspension bridges, rebuilding slope retaining walls in residential areas affected by erosion, and repairing collapsed roads," he said.

Ahmad Zahid also expressed appreciation to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and residents for extending humanitarian aid to flood victims in Sabah.

"A thousand thanks for the cooperation and contributions. The assistance provided, including ready-to-eat food, daily necessities, blankets, mattresses, pillows and logistical support, has helped ease the burden of victims and ensured smoother relief operations," he said.

He added that Nadma director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, together with Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Mohd Razali Wahab, had been deployed to coordinate disaster management in the state.

"I pray that all states affected by the floods will recover quickly and that life can return to normal soon," he said.

It was earlier reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved an immediate allocation of RM10mil and wants early action to be expedited, especially involving public facilities, roads, schools and health clinics. - Bernama