KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has ordered the immediate installation of a modular bridge following the collapse of a bridge in Sungai Kaiduan, Papar.

"I have been informed that the bridge at Sungai Kaiduan, Papar, Sabah, collapsed due to floods, cutting off access to the area.

"Therefore, I have instructed that a modular bridge be installed immediately to avoid disruption to connectivity," he said in a social media post today.

Zahid, who is also National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) chairman, said three modular steel Bailey bridges were supplied to the Sabah government last year to boost disaster preparedness.

Featured Videos

"I request the Sabah Public Works Department and the Royal Engineer Regiment (RAJD), who have specific expertise in constructing Bailey Bridges, to immediately install one in the affected area," he said.

He added that the Sabah Public Works Department is also repairing infrastructure along the Penampang–Tambunan road with the concession company after landslides affected the main route. Debris is being cleared, with slope stabilisation and immediate repairs under way, including rebuilding a severed suspension bridge, reconstructing retaining walls and repairing collapsed roads.

Zahid thanked NGOs and local residents for providing humanitarian relief.

"I extend my deepest appreciation for the cooperation and contributions to the victims. Among the aid delivered are ready-to-eat food, daily necessities, blankets, mattresses, pillows and other logistical support," he said.

He said Nadma director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah has travelled to Sabah with the Sabah Federal Secretary to coordinate relief efforts.

"I pray that all states affected by floods will recover quickly and return to normal life in the near future," Zahid said.

Earlier today, Abdul Halim said the number of victims of floods and landslides in Sabah had surged to 2,533 as of noon, compared with 428 recorded yesterday.

The victims, comprising 668 families, have been placed in 20 temporary evacuation centres, up from only four centres opened yesterday.

He said 13 fatalities have been recorded due to landslides so far.